The Fillies & Fashion event at Nad Al Sheba Club last Thursday offered a great excuse to get dressed up, but why didn't all race-goers cash in on this opportunity?
Putting together pieces
From the 350 guests attending, many showed up wearing what they described as "putting a few key pieces together".
The event racing up to the Dubai World Cup, one of the best sporting and social events of the year, witnessed shades of sartorial brilliance and some faux pas.
Enthusiastic
But the organisers were, needless to say, enthusiastic.
"An event like this is the perfect place to spot race wear styles from all over the world," said Asli Palfreyman, event coordinator of the Dubai Racing Club. "The fashionistas and the racing fraternity will display the best of race wear fashion and millinery. The Best Dressed Lady competition will be judged according to one key element ? good coordination."
Fashion parades
Three fashion parades sponsored by Marks & Spencer were interspersed with nine races and a four-course dinner that evening.
Stephanie Coroneo, store manager, Marks & Spencer, Deira, said, "The first and second fashion parades showcased a palette of black, beige, white and brown.
"The last one showcased limited edition race wear designs by Peruna. We have more than 30 designs tonight."
Accessories too
The judges of the Best Dressed Lady competition were looking for "not just a dress and a hat". Accessories and the way a woman carried herself were important considerations.
The winner
Among 54 entries, Jane Proffitt in her stunning monochrome ensemble bagged the winning title. She said, "My friends, a group of 10 mothers, signed up for the fun of it. It was indeed a lovely surprise!"
Rachael Hugill was a runner-up.
The fashionistas: Did the ladies try too hard?
Nassim Karbasi, marketing specialist: "My beret with its floral motif complemented the floral trimmings on my chiffon outfit. I wanted to be different, so I chose this unusual style of headgear. I even signed up for the Best Dressed Lady competition."
Tamara Belle, homemaker: "Though it was my first time at the races, I didn't plan my outfit. I simply selected a dress [purchased in native Australia] that I thought was perfect. It had a fluid style with a busy design."
Catherine Jackson, master planner, architecture: "I borrowed this dress from my mum! I rummaged through my wardrobe, but couldn't find anything I would've liked to wear tonight. My outfit is glitzy and my headgear is simple; that's complementary!"
Stephanie Holden, retail area manager: "I didn't have a hat! My friends weren't wearing hats either. I am relieved many ladies attended the event minus headgear."
Clare Lewis, sales manager: "This racing event is far more glamorous than racing events in the UK. I was excited to attend it. Though my outfit has been literally thrown together, my headgear was brought back from the UK; I purchased it four years ago for a wedding. I am going to put in extra effort to plan my outfit for the World Cup."
