The world’s richest horse is fast looming, and while there’s plenty of buzz about which horse, jockey and stable will win the million-dollar race on Saturday, for many racegoers, there’s just as much excitement about who will win the annual Jaguar Style Stakes competition.
“Jean Paul Gaultier once said, ‘Elegance is a question of one’s personality, more than one’s clothing’ and that is exactly what we are looking for in this year’s winners,” Mandi Kingsbury, a fashion director and stylist and one of the judges at the style stakes competition, told tabloid!. The judging panel also includes fashion week expert Simon Lock, TV and radio personality Simone Heng and Nicola Gibson, marketing manager for Jaguar MENA. Dubai’s fashionistas will be judged in the best-dressed lady, best-dressed man, best-dressed couple, best hat and most creative hat categories on race day.
The excitement is understandable once you get a look at the prize for the best dressed lady: use of a 2013 Jaguar XK Coupe for a year, an HTC smartphone, an N-Style pamper package, dinner for two at Giannino restaurant and spa treatment for two, both at Meydan Beach Club and an overnight stay for two including breakfast at the Meydan Hotel. Winners in other categories get prizes including use of a Jaguar for a weekend, an HTC smartphone, N-style pamper packages.
Being elegant is key, says Kingsbury. “Start visualizing a style icon you want to emulate and aspire to be like them on the day,” said Kingsbury.
“Think of it as attending a very elegant wedding where you come off as esteemed, so whatever you pick — be it a dress, abaya or sari — make sure it reflects that. Keep hair and nails prim and tidy, attention to such details counts. And have on simple accessories; do not have too much going on and certainly no baubles and beads. You can never go wrong with gold.”
She urged hopefuls to seek inspiration from the past. “I have a rich Scottish, Irish and Welsh heritage so I like to mix and match with elements from each,” said the petite judge. “We have always been interested in vintage and even with regard to the Dubai World Cup it’s good to look into the past to be inspired.”
Lock — a style stakes veteran — knows the pitfalls. “It’s always good to know the designer you’re wearing. Avoid jersey dresses and maxi dresses at the races, they are a big no-no,” said Lock. “We have had women teetering around in the past on killer heels, so opt for smaller heels if you are not comfortable.”
“Keep make-up light and highlight either your lips or your eyes, not both,” added Heng. “Opt for a pop of colour on your lips and do not go overboard with the fake lashes. We’ve had people turn up with crazy extensions, opt for just one so that it looks natural.”
The races have always been associated with aristocracy and etiquette expert Stefanie Ost of SO Famous was on hand to offer advice.
“Dress length is very important and one that skims your knees is just right. Do not choose dresses with low-cut necklines: try to work with a ratio of 60 per cent dress and 40 per cent skin,” said Ost. “Before the races, practice walking in your shoes so that you are confident on the day. Practice posture so you look elegant on the day. Please do not have too much to drink on the day, it is very unsightly for a lady to be intoxicated.”
What to wear
Left it to the last minute? Here are some ideas for race-day wear
Prints: Choose from demure florals or a crazy Peter Pilotto.
Matthew Williamson floral lime green and orange dress, Harvey Nichols, Dh3,200
Peter Pilotto print dress, Harvey Nichols, Dh7,100
White poppy print dress, Reiss, Dh995
Emerald: It’s Pantone’s colour of the year.
Emerald green floral print Oscar de la Renta dress, Harvey Nichols, Dh21,800
Catch attention with accessories like a scarf and a statement — but elegant — piece of jewellery.
Three hoop earring, Bebe, Dh120
Gold statement necklace with white detail, Bebe, Dh185
Yellow Cashshimi clutch with gold detail, Harvey Nichols,
Kenneth Jay Lane gold chain with turquoise, royal blue and amber pendant, Harvey Nichols, Dh1150
Grey and salmon pink floral clutch, Reiss, Dh750
Choose dresses that fit you well. A cinched in waist or an A-line skirt can really make a difference.
Black cap sleeved fitted dress, Bebe, Dh635
Mint sleeveless dress with cinched in waist, Bebe, Dh650
Erdem floral navy and salmon pink lace dress, Harvey Nichols, Dh18,400
How to enter:
Registration forms will be available at Jaguar Style Stakes registration desks on Level 1, Concourses A, C and D on Dubai World Cup day. Entry is for those 21 or over. (To qualify for the Jaguar XK Coupe prize, winners must be over 25 and be a UAE resident.) Don’t fret if you’re not successful in the Jaguar Style Stakes competition, there are other prizes to be won. A watch from Longines’ new Conquest Classic collection is up for grabs for the watch company’s Most Elegant Lady contest: The winner will be selected by style spotters at the Meydan Grandstand. And smile, strike a pose and Instagram a shot of your race-day look, tagging Sacoor Brothers, for your chance to with a gift voucher worth Dh2,500 to shop at the fashion and lifestyle store.
Go to the races:
Tickets for Apron Views, Dh350, and Premium Seating (from Dh1,200) are still available on dubairacingclub.com, meydan.ae or at 04-3272110. Ticket holders are eligible for entry into the concert area, where they will be serenaded by Kiss from a Rose singer Seal as they nurse tired soles and bid goodbye to yet another World Cup. UAE based electronic dance music duo Hollaphonic will open and close the Dubai World Cup live concert, which takes place after the final race.
