Britain's Duchess of Cambridge Leading the Trend for Hats

Day one on Friday of London's bi-annual fashion week saw some of Britain's finest millinery adorning the well-groomed heads of the city's fashionistas.

The "Headonism" event was curated by one of the world's leading hat makers Stephen Jones.

He said that hats have become an important part of fashion. The Duchess of Cambridge, who is regularly seen out in hats, is credited for much of the demand.

[Stephen Jones, Hat Maker]:
"I think here in Britain, so much of our taste and what people like comes from the Royal family and the Duchess of Cambridge is our style leader."

Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes said that hats are the new hot-ticket fashion item.

[Zandra Rhodes, Fashion Designer]:
"I think hats are the new must-have. I think they finish an outfit. I think now they are the ultimate thing that people will buy more than actually buy an outfit now."

She too credited the Duchess of Cambridge for the trend towards headwear.

[Zandra Rhodes, Fashion Designer]:
"I think there's a tremendous boom, boosted as well by the Royal wedding. I mean now, you go the races, you know like in California as well, they're all in hats, they're all in little somethings that are all influenced by the British hat industry."

The "Headonism" initiative allows a select few hat designers to display and promote their work, with Royal Ascot providing sponsorship.

London Fashion week runs until Wednesday.