The UAE’s most stylish will once again stake claim to be the best of the best, and win big, at the annual Jaguar Style Stakes. Held at the Apron Views on race day, March 26, winners will be chosen in six categories, including Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat, Most Creative Hat and Most Elegant Lady. Prizes include a free lease of a Jaguar F-Type for six months (for both Best Dressed Lady and Man), watches from Longines, cash prizes and hotel stays.
So, to make sure you bring your best style game at the world’s richest horse race, we’ve done all the hard work for you and ask this year’s judges what they’re going to be watching out for:
Who: Alanoud Badr, designer of the Lady Fozaza label
Bio: This blogger-turned-designer launched her fashion brand Lady Fozaza in 2011, and has consistently been on best dressed lists of top style magazines.
Number of years as judge: 3
What I’ll be looking for:
“This year, I’d love to see 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. I’d also love to see a lot more creative hats!”
What contestants should know:
“A winner for me is one who not only considered the rules when choosing their outfit but carefully selected a look that not only best represents themselves but creates a beautiful harmony of elegance and trend. As there are so many categories it’s important to know which one you fit in to before applying and really focus on your representation of it. My main advice for this year’s contestants would be to just have fun and be YOU! Usually the winners are the ones who did not overdo it but kept it innovative and unique.”
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Who: Kate Hazell, fashion director, stylist and journalist
Bio: Hazell has worked in the publishing industry for more than 10 years, writing and styling for titles including Dazed & Confused, Harpers Bazaar Arabia and Esquire Middle East.
Number of years as judge: First time.
What I’ll be looking for:
“When it comes to men, it’s all about the fit of the suit — I’ll be looking for impeccably fitted suits, which means I’d like to see a bit of shirt cuff peeking out from the blazer sleeves, the shoulders to sit exactly on the shoulders and the body of the suit to fit perfectly. I’ll be looking for accessories that have been carefully thought out and give me a sense of the contestant’s personality.”
What contestants should know:
“Be yourself and be comfortable. You can always tell if someone if wearing something they’re not very comfortable in and for me, that’s a faux pas when it comes to looking stylish. Try and inject some of your personality into your outfit and don’t forget that grooming is also essential. I’m all for big beards, but make sure your dapper suit isn’t let down by unkempt facial hair.
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Who: Salman Sultan, Regional PR and social media manager for Jaguar Land Rover MENA
Bio: Sultan joined the Jaguar Land Rover MENA team in March 2012. His core area of focus is managing the PR, social media and events programmes across the region.
Number of years as judge: First time
What I’ll be looking out for:
“I am looking forward to seeing contestants make their own original fashion statements and truly stand out within a sea of race goers. I’m a big fan of fashion that reflects an individual’s personal style and character. A dress sense that allows you to have fun, while staying true to yourself is key.”
What contestants should know:
“Speaking from my own experience, men should focus on investing in a well-fitted suit. Your suit should inspire confidence and will definitely pay off at the races and on the Jaguar Style Stakes stage. Match your belt to your shoes and think about the details. Cufflinks, tie bars and pocket squares are great accessories that can really set your look off while adding instant class and style. I also urge both male and female contestants to wear colours and shapes that enhance their figure and personality, and don’t forget to smile.”
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Who: Kim Fletcher, Melbourne-based milliner
Bio: Fletcher launched her first collection in 1993 and her feet have not hit the floor since. Her creations have been showcased not only in Australia but Dubai, England, Singapore and Germany.
Number of years as judge: 2
What I’ll be looking out for:
“In this year’s Jaguar Style Stakes I hope we have an increase in the number of [Emirati] women and expats who wear their national dress in the competition. It would be lovely to see how these women interpret race wear. Dubai is such a multi-cultural country it would be nice to see this represented by the contestants in the competition. The single biggest no-no when putting an outfit together is putting pieces together because they are ‘fashionable’ rather than suiting you. You will have fashion victim written all over you.”
What contestants should know:
“For this year’s contestants my advice would be to 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.”
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Don’t miss it!
Registering for the Jaguar Style Stakes does not guarantee entry. You will need to purchase Dubai World Cup tickets. Tickets, inclusive of the after-race concert featuring Janet Jackson, start at Dh450 for Apron Views. Other hospitality packages are also available. For more information, go to www.meydan.ae.
REMEMBER
- Entrants will get a chance to register online in advance, saving time on the day. Limited entries will be available for advance registration. Pre-registered entrants can collect their paddles from the Jaguar Style Stake Arena in Apron Views from 2–3.30pm.
- Onsite, registration forms will be available on race day from all Jaguar Style Stakes registration desks located on Level 1, Concourse A, C & D and at the Jaguar Style Stakes Arena in Apron View.
- All entrants must be 21 years of age or above to enter.
- The winners must be over 25 years of age and UAE residents in order to qualify for the Jaguar prize.
- All participants must be present at the Jaguar Style Stakes Arena at least 15 minutes prior to their registered category.
- Hats and fascinators must be worn at all times.
- Dresses/tops must have two straps at least one (1) inch wide.
- Hemlines must fall no higher than just above the knee.
- No sunglasses to be worn on stage.
- Casual wear is not permitted.
- Punctuality is essential.
