These hats don’t come with tricks, just a lot of bells and whistles.
A Parisian summer wouldn’t be complete without a day at Prix de Diane. The French Oaks as many of you may know it as, is the ultimate jetset event of the year that infuses fashion, food, music, horse race and well, let’s reiterate again…fashion with a capital H for hats.
Established in 1843, Prix de Diane was named after the Roman mythology goddess Diana, who was the goddess of the hunt, the moon and nature. Since the race’s inception, it was always held in Chantilly – 50 kilometers north of Paris – with the exception of the Revolution in 1848 when the races were held in Versailles.
Throughout history, particularly during various wars, Prix de Diane was cancelled then always brought back to enliven the French with prestige, celebration and thrill of the game.
Following the heels of French Open tennis matches, Prix de Diane is another highly anticipated event among jetsetters, young and old. Hats not only make stylish statements about who you are, they’re also posh throwbacks to a time when stepping outside of the house in gorgeous garments among the elites is the norm. Somehow in 2017, we’ve lost that particular sense of chicness. Events such as this one allows us to reminiscence with polished beauty.
If you ever consider heading to Prix de Diane…
Take the 20-minute train from Gare du Nord in Paris to Chantilly. Buy the 52 euro picnic basket ticket which includes roundtrip train tickets. The picnic baskets are assembled by the bourgeoisie catering brand Fauchon, and come with a lovely list of delights, including: foie gras. The massive venue encompasses street food stands, various stages for DJs, performers, sponsors and tons of champagne bars! Many families come with their own picnic baskets and bottles of wine.
One thing you shouldn’t forget: sun block!
Have you ever been to a horse race? Share with us in the comments.
