What hat to wear to the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes 2013

 Tips on What to Wear to the Dubai World Cup 2013

Dubai based creative fashion director and stylist Mandi Kingsbury will serve as a judge at the Jaguar Style Stakes, during the Dubai World Cup 2013. Kingsbury was kind enough to answer a few questions about Dubai racing fashion and what she will be looking for when judging the ladies in the 'Best Hat’ and ‘Best Dressed Lady’ categories.

Mandi Kingsbury, by Photographer Gerry O'Leary

How is Dubai racing fashion different from Australian and New Zealand racing style?

From the onset, fashion in Dubai various greatly from what you see on the streets of Australia and New Zealand. Perhaps this is a resulting trend made apparent due to differences in culture.

The Jaguar Style Stakes is not only about embracing and highlighting fashion – a fundamental reason why people attend the races – but also provides a platform for us to educate fashion contestants in racing fashion etiquette. The Dubai World Cup is not as formal as the ever popular Ascot!   However it does help to know the rules here – it’s an international event in the Middle East after all!

Fashion contestants attending the Jaguar Style Stakes are encouraged to give a respectful nod to the local culture, to dress for the races, but to also consider what is socially acceptable here in the UAE. Correct attire at any high end race meet is essential whether it’s held here or overseas. 

Reviewing this video from the 2012 Dubai World Cup, http://youtu.be/7EaFwUop6t0 what do you like best about last year’s racing fashion?  

 

We saw a lot of variety on the catwalk last year and I loved judging the Best Dressed Woman. She was well poised and looked extremely elegant. Pairing her outfit with her partner also just completed the entire look which saw them walk away with the Best Couple award.

What are some trends you are seeing in racing fashion? 

Fashion tends to be cyclic and sporadic; what’s popular one month is out the next. Last year, we saw a lot of colour blocking not just in racing fashion but on the high streets as well. It looks like this year is all about prints from flowers to geometrical designs.

What trends from last year do you think will continue into 2013?

2012 was full of pastels with a focus on coral pink and mint. We’re definitely seeing a continuation from last year as we saw a number of celebrities at the 2013 Oscars gracing us with just that – coral pinks and peach.

We can expect contestants at the Jaguar Style Stakes to work with strong bold colour blocks from last year that make a statement, combined with softer pastels – both equally a show stopper. Aside from this, I suspect we’ll see the usual race colour suspects – black, white and pink. Metallic was popular a few years ago and we’re witnessing a revival trend again this year. If we’ll see it at the races, we’ll soon find out. 

What words would you use to describe the lady who will be crown as one of ‘Dubai’s Fashion Elite?’  

Elegance is the epitome of grace!

What type of style are you looking for in the ‘Best Dressed Lady?’

It’s challenging to look for a particular style rather I’ll be paying attention to the overall mood of the day. It’s important to look beyond a singular persons fashion and take other elements into consideration. I’ll be keeping an eye out for what everyone is wearing plus their individuality and personality plays a critical role as well.

Ultimately, contestants need to remember race day attire is traditionally smart and classic; not causal by any measure. Spruce up the look and demonstrate your style by pairing a very contemporary hat with a classic silhouette. Think of the dress as the background of a canvas that unfolds the architectural drama of the headpiece.

What types of hats do you think are most appropriate for the Dubai World Cup?

As we all know, Dubai is flamboyant and loves all things new and extreme. Last year we saw a hat that looked like the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) in addition to a horse bust constructed entirely out of hair!

At the Dubai World Cup, I personally hope to see classic silhouettes set with a contrastingly abstract hat. Modernist milliner Philip Treacy is a leader in abstract millinery. His hats are always exciting to see on race day and I’m hoping I’ll bear witness to this in the coming weeks. I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s Best Creative Hat entries – a new category this year!

Speaking as a stylist, what types of clothes do ladies attending the Dubai World Cup wear and how do they choose their outfits?

Ladies at race day choose their outfit based on their own individual style coupled with inspiration they may have encountered over the years. Look back at the history of fashion and you’ll see this is where race wear inspiration came from.

I live by a simple rule – sassy, classy, chic glamour! I find the women in the late 50’s exciting as they were always well kept sporting fabulous hair, hats, scarves and clothing. 

Curves have stood the test of time and have always been admired. The best way to accentuate them is in a tailored late 1950’s dress. Dior, Coco Chanel and Pierre Balmain have never failed with their accentuated feminine cuts, also popularly found in Reiss and BCBG MAXAZRIA. These are iconic chic fashion styles that continue yearly resurrection on the turf.  

For women wearing a hijab, headscarves have been in elite fashion style for decades - think Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy.  For race day scarf and sunglass inspiration, - covered chic - pay attention to Viktor & Rolf’s spring / summer 2012 show during Paris Fashion Week.  

The Jaguar Style Stakes will take place at the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse in the Apron area of Meydan Grandstand on Saturday, March 30, 2013. Categories for 2013 include ‘Best Dressed Lady’ (winner and runner-up), ‘Best Hat’, ‘Best Dressed Man’, ‘Best Dressed Couple’ and ‘Most Creative Hat’.  

Click here for Part Two of this interview:
http://thatsaprettyhat.blogspot.com/2013/03/what-hat-to-wear-to-dubai-world-cup_9.html

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