Arguably the most important (or, at least, the most interesting) event on the British social calendar is Royal Ascot. In theory, it's a well-attended horse race at Ascot Racecourse, but in reality, it's a fashion show for the rich and famous -- in which you'll see everything from the sublime, to the sophisticated, to the downright silly. Men are required to wear traditional top hats, which -- amusing as that is -- gets boring after awhile. The ladies, however, are given a little more leeway -- and boy, do they take it.
This year the hats included a tasteful homage to cucumber sandwiches, a decidedly less-tasteful homage to soccer star David Beckham, an exploding pink thing, an enormous orange flower thing, something demure, with pretty black wings, and a more reserved choice from Her Majesty the Queen -- just to name a few.