Designer tips, stunning hats and delicious canapés were on the agenda for this stylish event at the InterContinental Dublin…
The summer racing season is well underway as are the corresponding Best Dressed competitions challenging women to be stylish, sustainable and singular.
One of the most iconic Best Dressed competitions is that held during the RDS Dublin Horse, on August 15. However, those in the know have also been entering the Continentally Classic Best Dressed competition held at the InterContinental Dublin on the same day. Prizes for its competition, which asks entrants to dress with “a continental twist”, include a seven-night Mediterranean Cruise as well as fabulous stays at Powerscourt Resort and Glenlo Abbey among others. Now in its sixth year, it’s always an enjoyable and intimate event previewed each year in the hotel’s Ice Bar.
Nicky Logue, general manager of InterContinental Dublin, welcomed his stylish guests who included Ashley McDonnell, founder of the Tech Powered Luxury podcast, Rachel Hennessy, founder of Happy Days, stylists Cathy O’Connor, Emily O’Donnell, Roxanne Parker, Corina Gaffey, and Lorna Jane Weightman, as well as accessory designers Melissa Curry and Blaithin Ennin alongside Roisin Linnan, Caroline and Nicola Kilkenny.
While guests enjoyed Perrier-Jouët champagne, Glendalough Gin cocktails and delicious canapés (mini coronation chicken cones, smoked salmon blini and eggplant parmigiana), they watched the salon show curated by fashion writer Bairbre Power. She was inspired by the Irish boutiques and milliners such as Michelle Kearns and Laura Hanlon.
Bairbre showed how a statement headpiece is best paired with a block colour, especially black or white. Particularly striking was a black feather Michelle Kearns headpiece, worn by model Sarah Morrissey, with a white Roisin Linnane dress.
Retro styles can also be a winning look as demonstrated by Carol Kennelly’s “floral afro” hat which she paired with a 1980s-style Tina Griffen two-piece peplum suit (called Carmen Sydney).
As Bairbre highlighted, there’s no need to spend a fortune on race day fashion; a judicious search of rental boutiques can help. Try Happy Days, which has added some 800 new pieces such is the growing demand from customers. Look out for a new “drop” which now includes some of Ashley McDonnell’s own pieces including a show-stopping emerald green Taller Marmo gown, modelled at the event with a Laura Hanlon headpiece. Laura hires out all her hats (often made sustainably from cardboard or Lego!) and can be contacted via her Instagram account.
Mens’ fashion was not forgotten either. Dave O’Connor, general Manager of Louis Copeland together with former Best Dressed winner Lawson Mpame demonstrated elegant alternatives to suits. They wore linen blazers with polished accessories (pocket square handkerchiefs, monk strap shoes and classic tie knots).
See here for more race wear tips on hats and gloves..
Click into the gallery to see the guests who attended.
Photographer: Marc O’Sullivan
Do you know about a smart party, event or wedding happening soon? Email details to glossip@thegloss.ie