An Abingdon resident has been crowned winner of the coveted Best Hat competition at Salon Privé’s 2025 Ladies’ Day by Boodles, held last month at Blenheim Palace.
Read more: Salon Privé 2025 Day 3 highlights: Ladies’ Day by Boodles
Event Manager Cheryl Prior wowed judges with an elegant design by Wallingford-based Louise Clare Millinery, paired with a Nadine Merabi dress, LK Bennett shoes, vintage pearl earrings and a Coach handbag. Her refined ensemble epitomised the timeless English elegance for which Ladies’ Day has become renowned.
The win brought with it prizes worth £6,000, including a White Gold Diamond Pendant from Boodles’ Roulette collection valued at £3,500, a £1,000 gift card from GATINEAU, and both a handbag and £1,000 gift card from LK Bennett. The awards were presented by Salon Privé Chairman Andrew Bagley.
Cheryl admitted she was stunned by the accolade:
“I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the gifts. They were so special, and I was honestly shaking afterwards with excitement and gratitude.
“I chose the hat just two days before Ladies’ Day. A friend had recommended Louise Clare Millinery in Wallingford, so I rushed in at the last minute to try and find something to go with my dress. It was only the second hat I tried on.
“I had also tried a more traditional style first, which was lovely, but when Louise showed me this hat, I knew immediately it was the one for me. It was just different, and it felt right straight away.”
She later purchased the hat as a keepsake, adding: “It will hold such a special memory for me, and I’ll really treasure it.”
The 2025 edition of Salon Privé marked a triumphant close with record-breaking attendance of more than 28,000 visitors. Organisers described the event as “unlike any other,” with its Automotive Gallery showcasing some of the world’s most spectacular cars.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said:
“This year we promised to deliver an event unlike any other and we absolutely did just that and more. The Automotive Gallery was something the events’ world has never seen before and offered a befitting home for so many stunning cars on show.
“The buzz throughout the whole week was the best we’ve ever experienced, and the overall footfall broke all records, as we welcomed over 28,000 visitors in total.
“We’re delighted to confirm our 2026 dates already, since we know many guests and enthusiasts will want to mark it in their diaries and book ahead to secure their attendance.”
Dubbed the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, organisers have confirmed that the summer social staple will return to Blenheim from Wednesday 02 to Sunday 06 September 2026, for its 21st edition.
