The annual Royal Ascot is a five-day racing event that has been the centerpiece of the British social calendar and a vital platform of British fashion since its inception in 1711. Throughout its 300-year history, the event has been a unique display of glamour, classic fashion and of course, the very famous or rather infamous Mad Hatters.

The 2011 meeting started on Tuesday beginning with the Royal Procession and arrival of the Queen and the Royal Family. Mad Hatters, brimming with anticipation arrived at the event, presenting a vivid display of fashion and elegance.

Ranging from bizarre to beautiful, these hats are in fact regarded as the real spectacle of Royal Ascot and it is often believed that, the more outrageous the better.

Take a glimpse of the unique fashion trends at the 2011 Royal Ascot below:

Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
A racegoer models her hat on the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
A racegoer holds onto her hat as she arrives for the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
A racegoer models her hat on the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
Sports broadcaster Gary Lineker and his wife Danielle arrive for the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
Racegoers sit in the stands before The St James's Palace Stakes on the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 A spectacle of glamour, style and the infamous Mad Hatters.
Two women drink champagne outside a betting kiosk on the first day of racing at Royal Ascot in southern England June 14, 2011. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT HORSE RACING SOCIETY) Reuters.
Royal Ascot 2011 Brawl over shadows ladies day
Brawl over shadows ladies day at Royal Ascot Reuters.