The weather may have been cool, but the fashions were hot at this year’s Breeders’ Cup! Breeders’ Cup is regarded as the end of the North American and European racing season, so it’s our last chance to dress to the nines, have some fun, and hopefully win the title of Best Dressed. When Longines decided to bow out as sponsor of the Fashion Contest, fashionistas across the country breathed a sigh of relief when Breeders Cup ponied up (pardon the pun), and sponsored the coveted event, with grand prizes of $1,000 for each first-place winner on both days. As usual, the judges had their work cut out for them, as this year’s contestants came to win. Looks ranged from iconic purple and gold, to pastels, hot pink, polka dots, and RED! Both days winners wore head to toe red looks.Friday’s first place winner, Kathleen Kenneally, stunned in a red dress by Tina Griffith Designs, wearing a hat by Irish milliner, Carol Kennelly. Kathleen accessorized her look with pearls, complete with horseshoe pin, pearl studs, statement bad adorned with pearls and tassel and peal accented heels.
Saturdays first place winner, styled by FATR Zoya Egan, was Evie Romanova. Evie wore a lipstick red silk faille dress with matching bolero jacket custom made by couturier Irina Bobro. Her hat was designed and crafted by Hats by Zoya and was made with fabric flowers – each one individually cut from lace and attached to the headpiece. The look was finished with red patent Gucci shoes, whimsical red lip shaped bag, smokey eye and bold lip.
Thank you, Breeders’ Cup, for continuing this time-honored event, and we hope you continue the tradition for years to come. As much as we love them, it’s not just about fancy dress and hats. The art of dressing up is expression in its finest form. It changes the way we see ourselves and the world around us in the best possible way. We need to keep these contests going, keep the beauty going, and give us that little escape in this crazy world – even if only for a day. So, here’s to next year’s Breeders’ Cup Fashion Contest! Hmmmm, what will I wear? See you at the Races.
