It’s the UAE’s fashion event of the year and the unwritten memo is you have to be absolutely fabulous. For this year’s Dubai World Cup, we went to UAE personalities and race-day veterans to tell us the one thing people should have when competing for the style stakes.
Watch the feet
“Race day is a fashion fest of style. On your feet all day, your shoe choice can make or break your day. Don’t wear brand new shoes (break them in first), the heat and concrete concourse means you need a pair styled to last. Cushion your feet with a pair of [special insoles] or for ultimate barefoot comfort invest in silky stocking foot spray, which acts like an invisible stocking. If you are still worried about being able to stand at the end of the day, check out Sam Edelman’s on-trend shoe designs. Avoid the ultimate fashion faux pas, leaving trackside at the end of the day with your shoes over your shoulder. It’s not a good look.”
— Kelly Lundberg, stylist and founder of StyleMeDivine.com
Tie them up
“The races are undoubtedly the most luxuriously fashionable event, hence one has to rise up to the occasion. A bow tie is a complete statement accessory to wear along with a dapper suit. Drifting away from the traditional tie, the silhouette of the bow tie alone is a breath of fresh air. Further attention to detail lies in the texture, print or colour of the bow tie, which may or may not be accompanied by a similar pocket square. One can go classic or off-beat with this little accessory and it will still stand out brilliantly.”
— Vimal Vijayan, model
The right attitude
“You can wear the best hat, the best dress or the most fashionable shoes or headgear, but if you don’t match it with a good attitude, then all of that doesn’t count. Attitude is about wearing confidence and kindness on your sleeve. You need to have an attitude — just like how the horses win races wearing blinkers — which enhances what you wear. Watch your body language and it should exude a certain integrity.”
— Rekha Tourani, restaurateur of Dusty’s DIFC and philanthropist
A classic pair of sneakers
“Ever since high-fashion brands started finessing their sneaker game, and style icons such as Pharrell Williams and Kanye West showed us how to dress them up, men have enjoyed experimenting in this way. And one look at this year’s collections tells us tailoring and trainers remain in a healthy relationship. This combination says one simple yet powerful thing: It says you are wearing a suit not because a job or lack of imagination require it, but because you want to. And you feel very comfortable doing so. It is, therefore, an extremely assured look, but one that can be tricky to pull off.”
— Ross MacDonald, founder of leisurewear brand KA-1.
Who you gonna wear?
“My must-have fashion item is a bit ambiguous, really. Often it makes subtle appearances here and there in the sartorial presentation. It is not limited to size, shape, colour or even where it is adorned for that matter. It can peek out of a pocket, be plunged into a lapel, keep its user upright like a third leg or on time because that’s what it can tell — it can make sure one’s shirt sleeves or collar and tie combination always look the image of premeditation or make ones’ fingers and ears illuminate like a constellation. Choices, options, uses... I often choose all three. Of what do I speak, what “must” I have... it must be the accessory!
— Marlon Weir, relationship manager and winner of 2014 and 2015 Jaguar Style Stakes Best Dressed Man.
Bling it on
“I love beautiful jewellery but on race day I think it’s important to keep the size in check. Your hat should be the focal point, but a gorgeous pair of earrings and a statement ring can really finish the entire look.”
— Katie Fielder, news anchor at Dubai One.
Bowler hats away
“A classic bowler hat is the quintessential accessory to achieve the perfect look for the races. It reinforces the luxury of the sport. Men who wear bowler hats to the races always exude a strong statement, which luxuriously and aptly blends into the occasion and its ambience. They exhibit a sense of respect towards the game as the traditional hat that is synonymous to the races.”
— Varoin Marwah, menswear designer.
Be a trail-blazer
“I wish I could pick one item or piece of clothing that is an absolute must for any occasion, but the truth is what makes an outfit is two things: one, all the pieces put together, and two, most importantly, how it makes you feel. And only one of those is a must. But for the Dubai World Cup, I’d definitely pick the right blazer.”
— Mustafa Abbas, filmmaker.
Everyday you’re shuffling
“They say that clothes maketh the man, but for me it’s all about the fancy footwear and if your kicks aren’t sweet then the rest doesn’t count. I’ve got a soft spot for Louboutin, and that little flash of red is going to be the cherry on my outfit’s cake.”
— Two Tone, rapper.
Shades of style
“I feel your eyewear can make or break your look at the races. I think they add a lot of glamour with the colourful hats I love to wear.”
— Aanya Aggarwal, founder of Chocolate Entertainment events company.
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.
