Pure Perfection. Pure Galway.

The Galway Races are considered the biggest event in Irish Racing, so naturally Ladies Day at Galway is considered one of the biggest days in Irish fashion. The essence of Galway fashion has always been grace, elegance and class; but this year’s event hit new heights in every way. All eyes were on hundreds of stylish women as they entered the gates onto the concourse to compete for Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat. There is no better runway than Ladies Day in Galway! We saw carefully curated looks consisting of rich fabrics, inventive designs, chic accessories, and of course, the hats. My goodness, the hats! Each one more spectacular than the next, perfectly complementing (not competing!) with each outfit. Pure perfection. Pure Galway.

The Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions are some of the most competitive fashion contests in the racing world, with prizes awarded from €3,000 euros  for Best Hat to €10,000 euros for Best Dressed. The Connacht Hospitality Group sponsored both competitions this year. The judges panel consisted of stylist Mandy Maher, Digital Marketing Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group Kieran O’Malley, and celebrity guest judge and award winning makeup artist Michelle Regazzoli-Stone. The judges had their work cut out for them, and choosing a winner was not easy. Ms. O’Malley stated, “everywhere I look, the style is incredible”. So true! Fashion choices and looks varied greatly, however, the finalists all had the same qualities in common – class, sophistication, style, and most important – intent. Judges need to see a look took time, thought and effort to put together. 

This year’s winner of the Best Dressed Lady was Davinia Knight from Portarlington CountyLaois. Davinia took a risk wearing head to toe black, which may sound easy but it’s quite the contrary. Styling all black takes skill and a real sense of style to pull off. Her dress was from Australian Fashion House AJE and was made from voluminous layer of tiered raw edge organza to mimic rose petals. Her hat was created by Rachael Leech from Jennifers HatEmporium. Black lace trimmed gloves, black bag and shoes, smokey eyes, and bright red lip finished off the look. Best Hat was awarded to Eva Hayes Morrissey from County Limerick, who was dressed in a retro inspired red suit, red heels and bag, and gold jewelry. Her hat was a dramatic red side disc hat with gold embellishment from Irish milliner Caithriona King. The fashion at this year’s Galway races was even better than last year. And, last year was pretty great! We cannot wait to see what next year brings to Galway. See you at the Races.