Salon Privé Crowns 2026 Concours Style and Best Hat Winners
Salon Privé, the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event, celebrated style alongside some of the world’s finest cars during its 21st edition at Blenheim Palace.
Two winners were crowned during the five-day event through the inaugural Concours Style Award presented by Clements + Church and the longstanding Boodles Best Hat Competition, celebrating exceptional tailoring, millinery and individual style.
Billy Hibbs, who travelled from Texas, made Salon Privé history on Thursday 3rd September when he became the first winner of the Concours Style Award presented by Clements + Church. Introduced for 2026, the competition celebrated exceptional men’s tailoring, craftsmanship and individual flair.
As the overall winner, Billy will receive a complete bespoke look created with a Clements + Church tailor, valued at up to £10,000.
Billy had even more to celebrate at Salon Privé this year, having also won the Class Award in the La Dolce Vita Concours Class and been named runner-up to Best of Show for his superb Maserati 3500GT Spyder Prototipo by Vignale.
Judging for the style award took place alongside the internationally renowned Salon Privé Concours by Aviva Private Clients. It applied some of the same principles of presentation, originality and attention to detail seen across the automotive concours to the event’s male guests.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have won, especially as it’s the first time Salon Privé has recognised men’s style and my first time here in Oxfordshire,” said Billy.
“I always enjoy dressing for the occasion, and events like Salon Privé provide an opportunity to have a bit more fun with what you wear. I wanted to don an outfit that felt smart and considered and, of course, fit for a day at Blenheim Palace.
“Being the inaugural Concours Style Award winner is a real honour, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Clements + Church on the bespoke look.”
The celebration of style continued on Friday 4th September, when Ladies’ Day by Boodles brought an array of striking hats, headpieces and occasionwear to the lawns of Blenheim Palace for the renowned Boodles Best Hat Competition.
Gillian Carpenter of Bromsgrove was named this year’s Boodles Best Hat winner after catching the judges’ attention with a self-designed and handmade hat from her own Worcestershire-based millinery brand, Gillys Millinery.
Gillian paired the striking creation with a soft blush-pink dress from Jolie Moi, blush-pink kitten heels by LK Bennett and a bag from Coast.
“I sketched out an idea for a sculptural, elegant look that was also soft, pretty and very feminine,” said Gillian.
“I knew that I wanted a large, sweeping base and felt that the ivory would showcase the soft-pink details and provide an eye-catching look. I then added a dramatic ivory silk swirl and exquisite silk roses to the top and base for that garden-party, ‘strawberries and cream’ feel.
“I loved wearing this piece and am completely thrilled to have won Best Hat at Ladies’ Day. There were so many stunning hats and outfits worn throughout the day, so to be chosen as the winner is incredibly special.
“There’s such a lovely atmosphere at Salon Privé and everyone really embraces the opportunity to dress up, which is part of what makes the day so much fun. It’s an incredible honour even to be a finalist at such a prestigious event, and I think I will relive the day forever. I could not be more grateful to the judges for choosing me.”
Gillian received a stunning Boodles Roulette Pendant worth £4,000, presented by Boodles sixth-generation Operations Director Geordie Wainwright. She was also presented with a £500 Holland Cooper gift voucher and £1,000 worth of Parisian haute-couture skincare from GATINEAU.
Andrew Bagley, Chairman and co-founder of Salon Privé, said: “Style is a huge part of the fabric of Salon Privé, and it was fantastic to see our guests embrace both competitions this year.
“The standard was incredibly high, and it was wonderful to see so many ladies and gentlemen bringing their own personality and individual style to the lawns of Blenheim Palace.
“Congratulations to both Gillian and Billy, who each captured the spirit of style and sophistication perfectly.”
Salon Privé will return to Blenheim Palace from Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th September 2027. For more information, visit www.salonpriveconcours.com.
