Fashion at the horse races
Be it the Royal Ascot or the Dubai World Cup, each event has its own unique sense of style, glam and history
For many of us, a wedding is the only time we get to wear the most stylish and chic ensembles, but we must never commit the cardinal sin and outshine the bride and groom. So during a trip to the races, be it chilly Cheltenham, the regal Royal Ascot, Longchamp, the Melbourne Cup or our very own Dubai World Cup at Meydan, these can easily become a no-holdsbarred event to let our inner style animals run wild (etiquette permitting).
FRENCH CHIC
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a real show stopper. It’s haute couture all the way, stunning tailoring and exquisite millinery on both the ladies and the gentlemen. “At the Arc de Triomphe, the French take it to another level with a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’, their effortless style, they don’t have to be told how to do it,” says Evelyn McDermott, a Dubai-based milliner.
TIME TO TWEED
Cheltenham was known to feature a parade ring-to-racecourse backdrop of boring tweed, in any shade of dark green or brown, worn like a status symbol. It was light relief when, around 25 years ago, some forward thinking designers started a movement to bring brighter colours and trendy styles. A whole new generation of 20-somethings wore tweed, with a difference — shapely and snappy in soft colours. “At Cheltenham I like what they’ve done with the colour. The two piece suit is in, cigarette pants are in. There’s lots of faux fur just now and flat heeled knee high boots; a very country look, but with a colourful coat,” says McDermott.
ROYAL STYLE
With the advent of the dreaded fascinator, we started seeing a trend for lighter materials and a crossover from Royal Ascot to Cheltenham; think wool and suede to lace and chiffon.
Royal Ascot retains a degree of decorum with its strict dress codes, such as ladies covering their shoulders, skirt length just above the knees and no silly fascinators.
“I’m loving the new Royal Ascot campaign in conjunction with [British retailer] John Lewis, with the dress code trends and what is appropriate [to] wear. They allow the two-piece suit but not in the Royal Enclosure. And a hat must be worn,” says McDermott.
PRETTY IN PINK
A trip Stateside will reveal a different type of fashion, far less strict and more about personal expression. The guys have a wonderful sense of flair with natty, sometimes outrageous dickey bows and fancy jackets. Churchill Downs on Oaks day (at the Kentucky Derby) will be pretty in pink; everything from the starting gates to the spectators will be decked in pink. In an even greater tribute to women, they hold a walk for survivors of breast and ovarian cancer and, of course, the dress colour — pink.
DUBAI DESIGNS
Dubai is maybe the ultimate occasion in the style stakes. In this city of glitz and glamour, it’s perfectly acceptable, even compulsory, to ramp up the jazz. Imagine shimmering gold and silver encrusted with glorious jewels, gowns fit for a Queen’s Ball and hats and headdresses made by the world’s greatest milliners.
Some of them are fitted in place atop intricate hairstyles created by clever, nimble fingers in salons around town. There are frequent glimpses of Louboutin’s red-soled shoe, too.
Gentlemen welcome the chance to push boundaries and step outside their comfort zone, many entering into the best dressed couple competition with wives or girlfriends. They will rock all manner of shapes and shades, men in beautifully cut suits of exquisite fabric, mixed with the outrageously wild and zany styles of the younger generation, who sport all manner of colour with stripes, spots or even checker boards.
It’s an anything goes evening, a time for freedom of expression. Whether genteel or excitable, quiet or outspoken, let your style express the real you and make the most of a rare opportunity to do so.