The majority of the women who entered the coveted Style Stakes competition on Saturday were dressed in bright, bold feathery creations. With elaborate fascinators tucked firmly into their perfect chignons, they all seemed to have embraced spring colours with great fervour.
But the winner of the Style Stakes competition, Christy Wong — who drove off in a gleaming Range Rover — was cut from a different cloth. Clad in a grey Kirsty Doyle one-shouldered dress and nude shoes from Reiss, Wong was understated — almost puritanical — in her sartorial style. Style Stakes judge and Ahlan! group editor Katie Heskett pointed out that Wong may seem like an "interesting choice", but what cinched her the title was how she nailed the latest trend. "This year, it was incredibly tough to choose the best-dressed winner," Heskett said.
Heskett was joined at the judges' table by Louise Foster, editor of Harper's Bazaar, renowned British milliner Phillip Wright and Dina Jreissati, Executive Director at Agora Marketing Limited.
"The number of entries had doubled, but what we loved about Christy was the grace with which she carried off the grey dress. Grey is the colour of the season and she wore it so well."
Heskett and her fellow judges were equally impressed with the way in which Dubai's fashion set is evolving. "It's no longer about wearing bright floral dresses and matching it with large hats. This year, we saw different styles like retro and vintage coming through. There was a wide breadth of colours too."
‘Perfect for the occasion'
Abu Dhabi-based Wong had mulled over the idea of the nude palette for over a week. "I was sure that I wanted to sport a dress in the nude palette," she said. "The moment I saw this dress, I knew it was perfect for the occasion. But winning the award was totally unexpected. The competition was fierce."
This year, nearly 500 contestants tried their hand at winning the coveted title, blitzing last year's 257 entry mark.
The Best-Dressed Couple, Paul Lewis and Milena Diaz, painted a fetching picture. Diaz, in a vintage peach skirt coupled with a lacy bolero jacket, had altered her grandmother's creation to give it a modern twist. "This dress belonged to my grandmother. I altered this 1920s dress and brought it down two sizes. In fact, the jacket was a longer one, but I decided to give it a fresh twist by shortening it to a bolero," said Diaz. Her efforts have been well-rewarded, with the couple winning a weekend of pampering at the Bab Al Shams resort.
"The competition was really tough this year. But all ended well. We can't wait for the weekend away," they said.
The popularity of vintage fashion came to the fore yet again in the Best Hat category. UK-based milliner Valerie Corona emerged the winner with her floral creation. "I used 100 rose petals and vintage lace with some feathers on it," she said. "I wanted to create something classy and elegant."
Wright was equally enchanted with the creation. "We were looking for subtlety. Let's face it — we are done with big, feathery hats. Less is more this season."
Style Stakes Best-Dressed Lady, Christy Wong, has won: One-year lease of a Range Rover, brunch for two at The Meydan Hotel and jewellery from Jewels Accessories. Her first stop with the Range Rover: "Drive around the Abu Dhabi Corniche and then go for some desert driving. This one belongs in the desert."
Style Stakes Best-Dressed Couple, Paul Lewis and Milena Diaz won: One-night weekend stay for two inclusive of breakfast, desert safari and a 45-minute spa treatment at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa and jewellery from Jewels Accessories.
