Bollinger’s Best Dressed at Punchestown Festival …
The prestigious Bollinger Best Dressed Competition is always a highlight of Punchestown Festival. This year’s forward-thinking “Something Old, Something New” theme invited racegoers to showcase their “consciously curated” outfits.
The Style Council comprised designers and stylists Aoife McNamara, Jess Colivet, Isabel Gleeson, Kate Nally McCormack, Roxanne Parker, Lawson Mpame and David O’Connor.
“I always suggest that you shop your own wardrobe first,” advised head judge Jess Colivet. “I reinvented a look based on a piece that I’ve worn at four festivals!”
She stressed that best dressed competitions are evolving with fashion. “The rental market has exploded and pre-loved fashion is the norm among younger generations. Identifying ethical brands and investing in a beautifully made piece that will stand the test of time is always a sustainable choice. Think timeless quality. Each year the best dressed at Punchestown produces a wonderful story with a hat, bag, dress or even jewellery that’s been passed down from generation to generation. That’s sustainable fashion at its best.”
Daily winners enjoyed gifts from Bollinger, Ayu, and Pestle and Mortar, with a bespoke suit from Louis Copeland and case of Bollinger for the men’s winner.
DAY ONE FINALISTS
Raymond Gilbourne, Lisa Walsh, Genevieve Ryan, Louise Corrigan and Tristan Conway Behan (couple selection) and Breda Butler.
Winner; Genevieve Ryan, Co Roscommon.
Genevieve wears a Coosy Studio skirt and top from MacBees in Killarney (she changed the buttons to give it a refresh). She wore Chupi rings and Faizie Maizie earrings, while her Jimmy Choo shoes and Cloud Bag by Aoife Mullane were Depop purchases. Her homemade hat featured a ribbon from her daughter’s teddy to bring her luck, which worked!
DAY TWO FINALISTS
Gillian and Raymond Gilbourne (couple selection), Davinia Knight, Oniesa Owens and Steve Bennett.
Winner; Oniesa Owens, Co Longford.
Oniesa’s trousers were part of a two-piece suit by Roisin Linanne, a Rotate jacket from Fabiani Boutique, a hat by Wendy Louise design and Chanel bag.
DAY THREE FINALISTS
Nadine King, Kevin Old, Maria Osbourne, Aurelija Kupryte and Dee Ahearn.
Winner; Maria Osbourne, Co Kildare.
Maria wears an on-trend butter yellow two-piece suit by Irish designer Aoife McNamara that she recently bought at a pop-up shop in Kildare Village. Her hat is a Marc Millinery rental from Hats Amore in Newbridge, pre-loved Jimmy Choos from Vinted, Chanel sunglasses borrowed from her sister and a Zara bag.
DAY FOUR FINALISTS
On her first time ever attending the races, former Home of the Year winner Ciara Denvir from Belfast took the overall title (pictured centre), wearing a blouse by Coosy Studio, a skirt by ATU Body Couture and a hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London. She bought her Prada heels last year in the sales, with her bag by Irish designer August Night, while her Dior earrings and belt are several years old. Her pièce de résistance was a ring from Boodles, a gift from her husband Peter to mark their 25th wedding anniversary.
Jess Colivet commented: “We were looking for a curated look from head to toe and Ciara is elegance personified. Her beautiful monochrome outfit is a classic look with a twist, with the bravery of wearing a green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, a great winner for Bollinger.”
Ciara said: “I feel excited and overwhelmed, I can’t believe it! I’ve never been to the races before and never entered a best dressed contest. I’m looking forward to the wonderful prize.”
The couple won a ‘money can’t buy’ invite to the home of Bollinger with an exclusive experience including private tour of the cellars, vineyards, gardens, house and overnight stay in the beautiful capital of the champagne region, Reims, as well as a year’s supply of Bollinger. The once in a lifetime trip also includes a luxury stay in a five-star hotel in Paris, Michelin dining and a private chauffeur.
SEE MORE: The Unmissable Punchestown Festival