Today, Epsom downs Racecourse releases a series of striking images to announce Vogue Williams and Frankie Bridge as 2018 Investec Derby Festival ambassadors.
The Investec Derby Festival, held at The Jockey Club’s Epsom Downs Racecourse and renowned as one of the biggest sporting and social events in the British calendar, takes place this year on Friday 1 June (Investec Ladies Day) and Saturday 2 June (Investec Derby Day).
The images captured at the racecourse are themed around this year’s event tagline‘The Supreme Test of the Racehorse and the Wardrobe’. This describes the event of two halves – the best horses competing on the track and racegoers striving for high style stakes off the track. The images offer racegoers and fashionistas alike inspiration on what to wear to this year’s event, with expert pointers from Vogue and Frankie.
TV presenter, model and DJ Vogue Williams is a long-standing supporter of Investec Ladies Day which combines high style stakes with some of the best flat racing in the world. Famous for its celebration of females both on and off the track its feature race, The Investec Oaks, attracts top middle-distance three-year-old fillies.
Vogue will judge the 2018 Style Award on Ladies Day, a much-coveted title in partnership with ChiChi London. The Style Award winner will win a luxurious two-night stay in the penthouse suite of Richmond’s Petersham Hotel with dinner, a bottle of Champagne and Afternoon Tea included, plus £1,000 cash prize, a bespoke hat by Jessica Rea Millinery, as well as a year’s worth of dresses from Chi Chi London.
She will then bring the day to a close amidst a party atmosphere when she DJs the official after party on the Hyperion Lawn. Vogue said “The shoot was awesome and I’m so excited for everyone to see the pictures. I love the event so much, it is great to be back for a third year, this time pregnant! I’m relieved that after the tiredness of my first trimester I now have my energy back and am really excited to be DJing.”
Singer and presenter Frankie Bridge knows a lot about Epsom Downs, living just a stone’s throw away from the racecourse. This year she is the ambassador for Investec Derby Day, which sees three-year colts from across Europe descend to battle it out for the prestigious Investec Derby title. The unique undulations and camber over 1 and a half miles of the Epsom Downs track make this the supreme test of the racehorse and is Britain’s richest race worth £1.5million. Frankie commented, “It is such a beautiful part of the world and so close to London.I’m very lucky to be based here and it is an honour to a part of this magical event. The shoot was so much fun, Vogue and I had a great time and it certainly helped me plan what I’ll be wearing on Derby Day!”
Jo Whiley will be DJing the official after party on Derby Day for a second year, following in Vogue’s footsteps from the day before, on the Hyperion Lawn. Jo said “I’m really excited to be back at Epsom Downs Racecourse, DJing the official After Party on Investec Derby Day. The crowd last year were brilliant, so I’m looking forward to playing more great tunes for them.”
Phil White, Regional Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Vogue and Jo again and also to welcome Frankie this year. There’stop-class racing, fashion and music lined up so we’re all set for a fantastic 2018 Investec Derby Festival. Don’t miss out.”
About the shoot – ‘The Supreme Test of the Wardrobe’:
In set one, Frankie and Vogue wear black and white with an equestrian backdrop.
Vogue said: “I love this outfit; polka dots are always in and suit any outfit style, cut or shape.”
In the second set of images, the ambassadors put their outfits to the test on the racecourse balcony looking over the beautiful Downs. Striking red tones feature in this set, Frankie said: “You don’t always have to wear a hat or fascinator, if you’ve got a bright, bold outfit, sometimes all you need is a bag to accessorise.”
Set three takes place in The Boardroom with beautiful fascinators and artwork in the background. Neutral pink tones are used here with sharp tailoring. Vogue said: “A good pair of heels with a suit makes a great racing outfit. You can also get heel covers which stop you sinking into the grass outside – luckily I didn’t have that problem here.”
The final group of images were taken with props you would find in a racehorse’s wardrobe, a rug and saddle with an equestrian rustic feel. Frankie said “Wear something comfortable, there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable on a rrace day The more comfortable you are, the more confident you feel.”