Great Moments in Fascinator History
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Modern-day fascinators are confounding accessories: Unlike traditional hats, they offer few practical benefits (coverage from sun exposure, for example) and also require feats of engineering to get them to rest askew on the temple just so. Yet, they remain an essential component for any outfit worn at a horse race or royal wedding, as well as the quirk-signifier of choice for sartorial unicorns like Sarah Jessica Parker and Shoshanna on Girls.
The British royals remain somewhat possessive of the style — it’s hard to think of anyone who’s worn more pancake hats or fluffy forehead pieces than Kate Middleton — yet that hasn’t scared away eager adopters like Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. Click through the slideshow for a look at the most memorable fascinator moments in recent history — including Isabella Blow, Victoria Beckham, and, of course, Princess Beatrice’s hat seen ‘round the world.
Sarah Jessica Parker SJP donned this very Carrie Bradshaw headpiece for the London premiere of the Sex and the City movie.
Photo: Daniel Deme/Co...
Sarah Jessica Parker SJP donned this very Carrie Bradshaw headpiece for the London premiere of the Sex and the City movie.
Photo: Daniel Deme/Corbis
Princess Beatrice The infamous pretzel hat she wore to the royal wedding later sold for £81,000 on eBay.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretai...
Princess Beatrice The infamous pretzel hat she wore to the royal wedding later sold for £81,000 on eBay.
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Kate Middleton Kate has worn a number of intriguing headpieces, but this one is definitely the fluffiest.
Photo: Tim Graham/Getty Images
Victoria Beckham Even Posh Spice would have been remiss to show up at the royal wedding sans tiny hat. Photo: Mike Marsland/Getty Images
Lady Gaga Of course Gaga would wear a giant pink sperm on her head. Photo: SAV/Getty Images
Isabella Blow The fascinator diehard was not afraid to compromise her vision for the sake of a good hat.
Photo: David M. Benett/Getty Images
Zosia Mamet on
Girls "I think there might have been something about how she was watching a Sex and the City marathon and was inspired,&quo...
Zosia Mamet on
Girls "I think there might have been something about how she was watching a Sex and the City marathon and was inspired," Girls costume designer Jenn Rogien said about the inspiration for Shoshanna's adventure in mini-hats.
Photo: Courtesy HBO
Kate Middleton What, you don't wear a maple-leaf-themed hat when you visit Ottawa?
Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images
Elizabeth Hurley Hat-wise, she's been auditioning for her role on The Royals for some time. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
Pippa Middleton Though not quite as obsessed with bizarre headgear as her sister, Pippa can be counted on to come through for a wedding.
...
Pippa Middleton Though not quite as obsessed with bizarre headgear as her sister, Pippa can be counted on to come through for a wedding.
Photo: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press / Getty /images
Paris Hilton Paris celebrated the launch of her seventh fragrance, Can Can, with a tip of this Philip Treacy mini-hat.
Photo: Rune Hellestad/Co...
Paris Hilton Paris celebrated the launch of her seventh fragrance, Can Can, with a tip of this Philip Treacy mini-hat.
Photo: Rune Hellestad/Corbis
Gigi Hadid Though she looks ready for her Rockettes audition, she's actually attending a horse race. Photo: Lucas Dawson/Getty Images
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall Nothing says spring like a bunch of beige felt leaves on your temple. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Lara Stone In a nod to her adopted homeland of Great Britain, the supermodel wore this graceful topper to the Royal Ascot in 2012.
Photo: Ben Pr...
Lara Stone In a nod to her adopted homeland of Great Britain, the supermodel wore this graceful topper to the Royal Ascot in 2012.
Photo: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images
Zara Phillips The royal equestrian chose a feathered design by Rosie Olivia Millinery for this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Photo: Danny Martinda...
Zara Phillips The royal equestrian chose a feathered design by Rosie Olivia Millinery for this year's Cheltenham Festival.
Photo: Danny Martindale/Getty Images
Isabell Kristensen When it comes to her taste in hats, the couture designer tends to prioritize size. Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Sophie, Countess of Wessex Sophie, who wore this somber headpiece to a commemoration service for British troops, is proof that there is a fascina...
Sophie, Countess of Wessex Sophie, who wore this somber headpiece to a commemoration service for British troops, is proof that there is a fascinator for every occasion.
Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson The British socialite took matchy-matchy styling to an extreme at the royal wedding. Photo: Mike Marsland/Getty Images
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