Dubai World Cup 2016: Hot-to-trot fashion trends

DUBAI: The final countdown to the 2016 Dubai World Cup has begun and the crème de la crème are getting race-ready. Never mind the horses, everyone’s talking about how they plan to turn up on the big day and – you guessed it right – what this year’s Jaguar Style Stakes (JSS), the region’s most anticipated fashion event, will hold on March 26.

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Ask Anna Canning, Meydan’s manager of events, and she will tell you that online registrations for the JSS, capped at 100 contestants, have nearly closed. Entries have come in from all over the world, including Australia, UK, Japan, Germany, France and the GCC. “We expect to have in the region of 500 contestants, so it’s looking to be a fun and competitive day,” she says, noting that the bulk of the registrations will be made on site on the day of the event.

According to Canning, the large number of male entries this year has prompted the introduction of a new element to the contest. “We are trying to readdress the balance between male and female entries as a huge amount of effort is also made by male contestants. To recognise this, Jaguar will be providing a Jaguar F-TYPE for six months to the winners in the Best Dressed Man and Best Dressed Lady to use. We have an array of prizes from Jaguar, Longines, Diane Von Furstenberg, Thomas Pink, The Nail Spa, Marquee, HTC, Royal Fashion, Meydan Hotels & Hospitality, The Track, Meydan Golf and Fragrance Du Bois, so there is a lot up for grabs.”

Combination of factors

Besides ‘Best Dressed Man’ and ‘Best Dressed Lady’, other categories in the contest include ‘Best Dressed Couple’, ‘Best Hat’, ‘Most Creative Hat’ and ‘Longines Most Elegant Lady’.

So just how are the odds stacked against you? Canning says, “The judges will be looking for a combination of factors – no casual wear, no revealing or inappropriate attire, mandatory hats or fascinators for the ladies and punctuality. Attention to detail will be key, outfits and accessories must be coordinated and the outfit must be practical. Contestants need to be comfortable, glamorous and reflective of the elegance and prestige of the racing world, and the Dubai World Cup.”

Here’s what the judges are saying.

“When picking a suit for the Dubai World Cup, opt for an unlined one. A good unlined blazer will still have the sharp structuring of the tailoring, but it’ll keep you cooler on the day. With accessories, opt for a slim collar and tie, rounded off with a simple Windsor knot and throw on a classic woven panama hat if you want to keep the sun off your face,” advises Kate Hazell, fashion director, Esquire Middle East.

For Alanoud Badr, acclaimed fashion designer, it’s all about being unique. “I am looking forward to seeing more unique pieces and when I say unique, I mean something that doesn’t only look good but really embodies the character of the person wearing it. That is when the whole look comes together and stands out. And of course, more creative hats.”

Kim Fletcher, milliner from Australia, says, “Wear an outfit that suits you and you are comfortable in. Look at current trends in fashion but only use those that are flattering to you. Remember that if you feel good you will be confident which will show when you are up on stage.”

Salman Sultan, regional PR and social media manager at Jaguar Land Rover MENA, had this to say: “As one of the new judges in this year’s Jaguar Style Stakes judging panel, I recommend both male and female contestants to dress up in colours and shapes that enhance their individual figure and personality. Don’t forget to smile and always stay true to yourself in attire that allows you to be comfortable and have fun.” Besides these panelists, Patrick Aoun from Longines will also be judging the ‘Longines Most Elegant Lady’.

Canning said timing is a key aspect of the contest. “Don’t be late. The categories are run on a tight time frame to fit within the race timings, therefore we have little room for delays. All contestants should be at the Jaguar Style Stakes Arena 20 minutes before their category is due to start.”

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