The Dubai World Cup has wrapped for another year, closing out the 2024-2025 Dubai racing calendar with a day of thrilling races and festivities at Meydan Racecourse.
Aside from nine high-purse horse races, fashion is an annual highlight of the event.
Attendees from around the world donned their finest suits, dresses and hats for the event, which includes a Style Stakes fashion competition. The Style Stakes are judged in five categories: Best Dressed Couple, Best Traditional Outfit, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat.
This year, many guests, including Hong Kong influencer and model Jojo Rhodes and Style Stakes judge Sarah Silsbury, opted for a pastel colour palette, fitting for the spring event. Light pinks and blues appeared to be favourites.
Style Stakes winners
The biggest prize of the night went to Elizabeth Akroid for Best Dressed Lady. Wearing a baby blue A-line dress with a co-ordinated hat, white gloves and a set of pearls, Akroid won a $15,000 Emaar voucher, 50,000 Skywards Miles, a hat by Vivien Sheriff, one of the judges, as well as a selection of other luxury gifts. She was also half of the Best Dressed Couple with husband David Akroid. The pair won a $10,000 Emaar voucher, 100,000 Skywards Miles and a voucher for a meal at The Maine in Dubai.
Sam Yarrall won Best Dressed Man, received a $10,000 Emaar voucher, as well as 50,000 Skywards Miles, plus a selection of fashion and skincare rewards.
The prize for Best Hat went to Kamila Kostka – winning a $10,000 Emaar voucher with 30,000 Skywards Miles and a selection of other prizes. Kostka's hat was a neutral cream colour, embellished with ecru and vibrant coral feathers by Vivien Sheriff, one of the judges at the event.
"Winning the best hat award at the World Cup is such an incredible honour for me," Kostka, an influencer living in Dubai, tells The National, adding that she felt the hat "really represented" her.
"In everyday life I love standing out, but this time in the honour of history I decided to wear something simple and elegant and I allowed my hat to represent me and it was the right decision."
Finally, Best Traditional Outfit was won by Mercy Adhiambo, who won a $10,000 Emaar voucher, amongst other prizes.
Speaking to The National ahead of the event, returning judge Silsbury said she would be looking out for “confidence, originality and a touch of drama” when it comes to judging the best dressed categories. Adding: “When everything, from the hat to the heels, works in harmony, that’s when fashion magic happens.” Silsbury is the founder of Dubai Secret Shopper personal shopping and styling service, and often styles clients for the event.
Fellow judge and milliner Sheriff agreed, saying “Proportion, balance and thoughtful styling are key to standing out".