Boater, fedora, chapeau, topper, bonnet, pork pie, cap, hat and fascinator — no matter the name there’s a good chance all styles will be front and centre this weekend at the seventh annual Deighton Cup, an event at Hastings Racecourse that combines horse racing with “fearless fashion and masterful mixology.”
In fact, the Deighton Cup is almost as much about the over-the-top hats and fascinators that will adorn most women attending this Saturday, as it is about the horses and betting. But purchasing the right, show-stopping piece does not come cheap, which is why Rachelle Cashato, owner of the Granville Island Hat Shop and Hastings Hattery, launched a hat rental service a month ago.
“I am really excited to be able to offer our hat rental program for people that have come in and are interested in our amazing fashion-forward pieces, but may not have been able to afford to own them outright,” Cashato told the Courier in an email.
The fact the Deighton Cup has doubled in size since its inception means there will be even more fabulous hats on display than usual.
A newly-constructed viewing platform and reserved grandstand seating will accommodate an additional 1,500 concourse-level guests trackside. Proceeds of charity blackjack and roulette games set up on the casino-themed midway, and $5 from each ticket sold, will benefit Variety — The Children’s Charity.
Cashato said events such as the Deighton Cup give her clients an excuse to play dress up. And while a signature hat or fascinator can cost between $250 and $350, renting a hat for 48 hours is one-third of the retail price plus a $10 cleaning fee. Cleaning each hat is time-consuming and goes beyond steam cleaning — a toothbrush is also used for fine detailing.
“Our clients get to let their personalities shine and possibly get out of their comfort zone by wearing something they wouldn’t normally wear while not breaking their budget,” she said.
Hastings Hattery is situated at 157 West Hastings St. in the city’s original garment district in a building that neighbours what once was the city’s first courthouse and Calhoun’s Hats. It was also home to the Bank of Vancouver and, in later years, the men’s fine clothier E.A. Lee. The Flack Block was built in 1898 by Thomas Flack, one of the first prospectors to strike it rich in the Klondike Gold Rush.
Cashato’s goal is to encourage clients to add the final touch to a favourite look with a great hat. She believes a hat can add depth to a look and confidence to the wearer.
“Hats don’t have to be for special occasions only. When people ask me when they would wear a hat I always say, right now.”
Which is why hats are such an integral part of the Deighton Cup, considered by many to be the most fashionable event of the summer. A ‘Kentucky Derby’ dress code is highly encouraged and a panel of fashion industry professionals will decide on the best dressed man and woman attending — each will win a prize of $500.
The Deighton Cup starts at noon Saturday and runs until 6 p.m. with post time at 1:45 p.m. For more information, visit deightoncup.com.
@sthomas10
