What it's like designing stylish headwear for... the Oscars of hats?

Bespoke milliner Merve Bayindir wears one of her hats while sitting among recent headwear creations, ahead of the Ascot horse racing festival, a showcase event for hat makers and fashion designers. Photo: Reuters

At her London studio, Merve Bayindir carefully glues on dried flowers onto a pale pink saucer hat. Nearby, an array of other colourful headpieces are on display.

The Turkish-born milliner has been busy making hats for guests attending the annual Royal Ascot racing event, where headwear is a must.