Ascot Racecourse announced a new global relationship with leading ladies apparel design house Karen Millen to launch a SS18 collection inspired by its flagship race meeting, Royal Ascot, in a deal brokered by IMG.
Specially designed for the 2018 summer racing season and social calendar, the new collection features 18 co-branded occasion wear pieces, including dresses, skirts, tops, trouser suits and jumpsuits.
The pieces are marked for the Royal Enclosure or the Queen Anne or Village Enclosures, in line with Royal Ascot’s dress code and style guide.
Commenting on the association, Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer at Ascot Racecourse, said, “While racing is at the heart of Ascot, the fashion component is fundamental for us and our customers. It is part of the day that helps create the sense of occasion that our customers feel is so strongly associated with Royal Ascot.”
The line is available now from Karen Millen’s UK and international standalone and online stores, as well as in high-end department stores.
The price ranges from £90 – £299. Select pieces will also be showcased and sold on-site at Royal Ascot in the flagship Ascot Shop store, managed by IMG.
Dr Beth Butterwick, CEO at Karen Millen, added, “We are thrilled to join forces with Ascot. Historically, Karen Millen has been the go-to for summer events epitomised by the racing reason, our clients know they can come to us and find beautifully crafted collections that they can feel confident in. Our Atelier ethos is what sets us apart from other mid-market luxury brands, our in-house atelier ensures the brand’s signature quality and attention to detail is upheld. It is these shared values of luxury, attention-to-detail and quality that align us perfectly with Royal Ascot.”
The Karen Millen x Royal Ascot collection is available now online, in-store and concession, featuring hand painted floral, intricate lace detailing and super sleek tailoring all in beautiful pink and blush shades. Each piece is expertly crafted using couture techniques from the Karen Millen in-house Atelier and luxurious fabrics of the highest standard.
Tim Smith, Licensing Director, IMG, stated, “With fashion being at the core of any race day at Ascot, we are delighted to be working with Karen Millen to create the brand’s first official ladies apparel line. Karen Millen fits perfectly into our strategy of building Ascot into an international lifestyle brand, ensuring beautifully crafted products and multi-channel accessibility for shoppers and guests around the world.”
Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne who saw the land had potential for horseracing.
