Colourful Style Stakes sets the mood
Alla, Nader bag top prizes in Best Dressed categories
Colour, style and glamour was in full attendance at the Dubai World Cup, with the Style Stakes seeing participants bring their fashion A-game to the world’s richest horse race at Meydan Racecourse yesterday.
Alla Dimech was named the Best Dressed Lady, designing an environmentally friendly ensemble, while the Best Hat was won by Russia’s Oksana Belyeaeva.
Speaking to Gulf News, Dimech spoke about her unique design, saying: “My fascinator is completely eco-friendly and made with biodegradable material. I came all the way from Australia to Dubai because of the World Cup. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here in this wonderful atmosphere.”
Belyeaeva also said that she had created her hat herself. The Australian resident, who is a semi-professional milliner herself, said she had flown to Dubai specifically for the horse race. Also a researcher in environmental sciences, her hat was made with plastic and rubber.
Post her win, she said: “I didn’t expect to win. I enjoy dressing up and having some fun with my outfits.”
The Best Dressed man was won by Nader Telab from Sudan. “I used to be a stylist and created my own three-piece suit,” he explained, pointing at his white blazer and pants, which was paired with a blue waistcoat. He completed the look with a royal blue umbrella with a golden handle.
When it came to welldressed pairs, Neil Carpenter and Lisa Wellings took home the prize. Dressed in blue, the standout piece was Carpenter’s top hat, while Wellings’ detailed blue lace dress won over the judges.
“I bought the top hat from Berlin. I spotted it in a vintage hat shop as I was running a marathon, then went back to buy it,” said Carpenter.
The award for the Most Creative Hat went to Charlotte Coddis, a local artist based in Dubai, who wore an olive green headpiece with intricately woven leaves and flowers.
“I love to make wearable art,” she explained. Her handmade hat was inspired by the French artist, Henry Mattise. “I even hand-painted my own clutch,” she added, holding up a monogrammed “C.C” clutch.
Prizes for the winners include a lot of goodies in addition to the prestigious titles. The goodie bags won are worth over Dh30,000 and include shopping vouchers, tech devices, dining and staycation experiences, grooming vouchers and more.
Rules of the Meydan Style Stakes stipulated that participants were required to wear hats and fascinators at all times. Their dresses and tops were to have two straps that were at least one inch wide, with hemlines falling no higher than just above the knee.
Alla Dimech was named the Best Dressed Lady, designing an environmentally friendly ensemble, while the Best Hat was won by Russia’s Oksana Belyeaeva.