The retailer is mounting a campaign to have fascinators included in the formal dress code – and it’s taking the protest right to the race course doors.
If successful, its plea will enable the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Beatrice to wear their favourite accessory, confirming Kate’s position as the nation’s odds-on favourite.
“Every filly deserves to be able to look their best in the Royal Enclosure.
“We understand and support many of Ascot’s dress code rules but banning the fascinator really is a non-runner.
“They are regularly worn by many members of the Royal family including the Queen so it seems odd banning them from an enclosure named after some of the more famous supporters.
“Excluding them from the formal dress code is putting them on a par with a baseball cap or a beanie,” said Debenhams spokesperson Ed Watson.
Fascinators have been worn at Ascot for nearly 100 years and are the front runner in choice of head gear for most female race goers.
A ban in the Royal Enclosure now dictates that head gear must have a base of four inches – leaving fascinators standing at the starter’s gate.
Yet retailer Debenhams sells over 250,000 a year, and as such are the accessory of choice at society weddings, formal receptions and other top class events.
“We’d like to see a steward’s enquiry into the matter. Banning fascinators just shows that the team at Royal Ascot hasn’t a clue when it comes to the fashion stakes”, added Ed Watson.