Salon Privé London Crowns Winner of 2026 GATINEAU Best Hat Competition

GATINEAU Ladies’ Day at Salon Privé London was a celebration of style, sophistication and standout occasion dressing on the lawns of the Royal Hospital Chelsea this week, as guests gathered on Friday 17 April for one of the capital’s most anticipated social events. While the event is synonymous with world-class automotive design, Ladies’ Day remains its most stylish expression, with guests embracing the opportunity to showcase creativity and individuality through carefully curated looks and statement millinery.

A Standout Moment: The Best Hat Competition

A highlight of the day, the Best Hat competition drew an exceptional standard of entries, celebrating craftsmanship, originality and a true sense of occasion. From a line-up of 12 finalists, judges selected Suzann Reeves as the 2026 winner, with her beige and sage green hat earning admiration for its design, detail and overall styling. Created by Cotswolds-based milliner Lisa von Hallwyl, the hat was hand-crafted for the occasion. Her designs are worn across Britain’s most celebrated race meetings and society events.

An Exceptional Prize Package

As this year’s winner, Suzann received a prize package including a year’s supply of GATINEAU skincare worth £1,000, Pommery Champagne, an overnight stay for two at Homewood Hotel & Spa with dinner and breakfast, and a Collagene Plumping Expert Facial. The prize was further elevated with the addition of the Rose Noire Porcelain Diffuser Set from L’Objet. The prizes were presented by Salon Privé Chairman and co-founder Andrew Bagley alongside Best Hat judge, model and former Miss UK, Kirsty Heslewood.

I’m absolutely delighted to have been chosen as this year’s winner of the Best Hat competition at Salon Privé London. Ladies’ Day is such a joyful celebration of style, and I wanted to wear a look that felt elegant, timeless, and distinctly British with a modern edge. There was such a wonderful sense of glamour and individuality at the event, so to be selected from so many beautifully dressed women is a real honour. Suzann Reeves

Being crowned the winning hat feels almost surreal. To see one of my creations not just worn but celebrated on such an iconic stage is everything I pour my heart into. Lisa von Hallwyl

A Defining Feature of Ladies’ Day

The Best Hat competition was a defining moment of Salon Privé London GATINEAU Ladies’ Day, attracting a loyal following of returning guests and fashion enthusiasts, alongside first-time attendees drawn to the event’s unique blend of automotive art and luxury lifestyle.

Ladies’ Day has become one of the standout moments of Salon Privé London, capturing everything the event represents, including creativity and a real sense of occasion. The Best Hat competition is always a highlight, and this year’s entries were exceptional. Andrew Bagley, Chairman and Co-founder, Salon Privé

About Salon Privé London

Since 2005, Salon Privé has set the standard for luxury automotive and lifestyle events. Now firmly established in the heart of the capital, Salon Privé London offers a unique blend of exceptional cars, high-end retail and curated experiences, all delivered in an atmosphere of refined British elegance. This year’s Ladies’ Day was attended by over 4,000 visitors, ahead of a sold-out Supercar Saturday. For more information, visit www.salonprivelondon.com