On Saturday, 5 April, Meydan Racecourse welcomed record crowds for the highly anticipated Dubai World Cup – known as the world’s most spectacular race day. This global event, offering a combined prize pool of US$ 30.5million across 9 races, attracts not only the most talented horses and jockeys from around the world, but also fashion enthusiasts and style connoisseurs who arrived in their thousands to participate in the Emaar-sponsored Style Stakes event.
The distinguished judging panel, including British milliner Vivien Sheriff, President of Clarins Group Middle East Osama Rinno, founder of Moksyz Fidaa Badour, stylist Sarah Silsbury, and professor in styling and fashion and professional stylist at Istituto Marangoni Dubai Giulia Arnaboldi, took their places, ready to select the day’s most outstanding outfits.
Confidence and harmony set looks apart, as participants carried themselves with elegance and poise, Meydan Racecourse became a vibrant runway of colour, texture and trends. Winners received incredible prizes worth over AED 275,000, including rewards from U Points by Emaar, Emirates Skywards Miles, and gift items from luxury brands including Moksyz, Serapian Milano, Electimuss London, and Vivien Sheriff Millinery.
The winners and their prizes were:
- Best Dressed Lady Winner – Elizabeth Akroid: US$ 15,000 Emaar voucher, 50,000 Emirates Skywards Miles, a Vivien Sheriff hat, and additional luxury gifts.
- Best Dressed Man Winner – Sam Yarrall: US$ 10,000 Emaar voucher, 50,000 Emirates Skywards Miles, and high-end fashion and skincare rewards.
- Best Dressed Couple Winner – David & Elizabeth Akroid: US$ 10,000 Emaar voucher, 100,000 Emirates Skywards Miles, and a AED 1,000 dining voucher for The MAINE restaurant.
- Best Hat Winner – Kamila Kostka: US$ 10,000 Emaar voucher, 30,000 Emirates Skywards Miles, and exclusive beauty and fashion prizes.
- Best Traditional Outfit Winner – Mercy Adhiambo: US$ 10,000 Emaar voucher, along with coveted fashion and beauty accessories.
Best Dressed Man, Sam Yarral, may have been playfully tricked into entering the Style Stakes by his partner. However, he confidently embraced the spotlight in his standout Arin William ensemble, anchored by a striking velvet jacket. As for the winning couple, the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes brought together wife Elizabeth’s love for fashion and husband David’s love for horseracing, with looks that channeled their vintage charm and classic British sophistication. Hats are a unique addition to horseracing fashion, and winner Kamila Kostka brought high drama to the event with her extravagant headpiece. “Being in the best country is already a huge achievement,” she shared, “but winning Best Hat at the Dubai World Cup Style Stakes made it even more special.”
Mercy Adhiambo, the winner of Best Traditional Outfit, views fashion as a powerful means of self-expression. The Style Stakes provided her with the ideal platform to showcase a bold and unique look. Her appearance on the runway was not only about style; it was a statement meant to inspire others to embrace their individuality through fashion.
