Cheryl Prior scooped Ladies’ Day award for elegant design by Louise Clare Millinery
Oxfordshire resident, Cheryl Prior, was crowned winner of Salon Privé’s 2025 Best Hat competition last month at the esteemed event’s Ladies’ Day by Boodles.
Event Manager Cheryl, of Abingdon, won over the judges with her elegant hat by Wallingford-based milliner, Louise Clare Millinery. Coupled with a stunning Nadine Merabi dress, LK Bennett shoes, vintage pearl earrings and a bag from Coach, Cheryl looked every inch the epitome of English style and charm.
The prizes, worth £6,000 included a stunning White Gold Diamond Pendant from Boodles’ Roulette collection, worth £3,500, a £1,000 gift card from GATINEAU, a handbag and £1,000 gift card from LK Bennett, were all presented to Cheryl on the day by Salon Privé’s Chairman, Andrew Bagley.
Winner Cheryl described her shock at scooping the Best Hat title. She said: “I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity and thoughtfulness of the gifts. They were so special, and I was honestly shaking afterwards with excitement and gratitude.
“I chose the hat just two days before Ladies’ Day. A friend had recommended Louise Clare Millinery in Wallingford, so I rushed in at the last minute to try and find something to go with my dress. It was only the second hat I tried on. I had also tried a more traditional style first, which was lovely, but when Louise showed me this hat, I knew immediately it was the one for me. It was just different, and it felt right straight away.
“I originally hired it just for the day, but I’ve since purchased it as a sentimental keepsake. It will hold such a special memory for me, and I’ll really treasure it.”
Last week, Salon Privé announced record-breaking attendance figures had marked the end of a triumphant week of celebrations at Blenheim Palace.
Dubbed the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, organisers have confirmed that the summer social staple will return to Blenheim from Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th September 2025, for its 21st edition.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: “This year we promised to deliver an event unlike any other and we absolutely did just that and more. The Automotive Gallery was something the events’ world has never seen before and offered a befitting home for so many stunning cars on show. The buzz throughout the whole week was the best we’ve ever experienced, and the overall footfall broke all records, as we welcomed over 28,000 visitors in total.
“We’re delighted to confirm our 2026 dates already, since we know many guests and enthusiasts will want to mark it in their diaries and book ahead to secure their attendance.”
For more information and to purchase tickets visit, www.salonpriveconcours.com
