Pritika Swarup's Royal Ascot Photo Diary
The model and beauty CEO took Town & Country along as she attended Royal Ascot for the first time.
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Pritika Swarup went to Royal Ascot for the first time earlier this week, and had an "incredible experience."
"Royal Ascot was unlike any other event I’ve ever been to," she tells Town & Country. "I enjoyed immersing myself in British culture and traditions from indulging in afternoon tea at Sandringham, to watching the races, and adorning an elaborate, stylish hat. The event was distinguished by its unique atmosphere, exquisite high fashion, and the genuine passion and excitement during the races."
She adds, "The scale of the event surprised me the most. As an American, I didn’t realize how culturally significant it is on a global scale. I wasn't quite prepared for the magnitude of the crowds that gathered to watch the races. Thousands of people were in the stands next to the royal enclosure, creating even more excitement. Another surprising aspect was the diversity and creativity in fashion. I loved to see the array of styles and fresh interpretations of the traditional dress code attire."
Here, Swarup shares an exclusive photo diary with Town & Country from her day at the races:
Swarup gets ready before the big day of races.
For the grand occasion, Swarup chose an outfit by Alessandra Rich. "Alessandra Rich is a renowned British brand that has been a favorite of mine (and the royal family's) for many years," she says. "Her fashion show was the first one I ever attended in Paris back in February 2020, so the brand holds a special place in my heart. I’ve met Alessandra many times and admire her effortless elegance and creativity. She truly understands the impact of classic, feminine style."
"When my stylist Kristina Askerova and I were putting together this look, we knew Alessandra Rich would be perfect for the Royal Ascot," she says. "We crafted our own take on the Ascot aesthetic—fresh and contemporary, yet retaining a sense of elegance and timelessness. Navy, being a subtle and chic color, felt perfect for the occasion."
Swarup chose a hat by Merve Bayindir to complete her outfit.
"The night before any major event I always reach for PritiPolish Instant Glow Exfoliator. In the morning, I follow up with Prakti’s 3-step everyday skincare routine, NayaNecesites, featuring the DeviDetox Purifying Facial Cleanser, SundaSkin Essential Hydrating Serum, and SapnaSoft Essential Hydrating Moisturizer. This combination ensures my skin is perfectly prepped for a hydrated base before glam and a lasting, dewy glow throughout the day."
What's in her (Jimmy Choo) bag? "I carry fashion tape, a lifesaver for any wardrobe mishaps that might arise or to keep my neckline in place throughout the day. I never leave the hotel without my favorite Dior lip liner and lip gloss, and for quick touch-ups, I rely on my Charlotte Tilbury powder."
She adds, "One absolute must-have is Prakti’s travel size MahaMask, a versatile skincare product that deeply hydrates, so I use it on my hands and body - my skin gets drier especially when I am traveling."
"I was inspired by the Princess of Wales's iconic style, which resonated with what we envisioned for the occasion. I have been watching her style evolution over recent years and find it inspiring!"
"The key to a great Ascot outfit, in my opinion, lies in balancing timeless elegance and tradition, with personal style. Since there is a strict dress code, the true essence of individuality can be found in the details—exquisite jewelry, accessories, textures, and a statement hat. These elements help infuse personality into a classic, refined ensemble."
"I saw the royal family enter during the procession before the races started. It was quite the experience witnessing the King and Queen arrive and the excitement and admiration from the crowd," Swarup says. "The Queen was dressed in a beautiful cobalt blue look which was absolutely stunning!"
A view of Afternoon Tea at the races.
"The best part of the day for me was the races themselves," Swarup says. "As someone who used to ride horses when I was younger, being at Ascot reignited my passion for the sport. It’s so exhilarating to watch and I love the competition! I was cheering with excitement as one of my bets emerged victorious (and even cheering when that wasn’t the case)!"
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.
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