Lorraine’s Winning Outfit and Reaction
Galway teacher, Lorraine Ryan Kelly, emerged as the Best Dressed winner on Ladies’ Day at the prestigious Dublin Horse Show, much to her own surprise. The competition, judged by stylist Clementine MacNeice and former Irish Independent fashion editor Bairbre Power, saw Lorraine take home the top prize. Lorraine, who attended the event with her husband and two-year-old daughter Willow, stunned in a chic ensemble that featured black trousers from No Name Style, a black and bronze shirt by Irish designer Julie Caulfield, Zara shoes, and her mother’s handbag. Her unexpected victory left her in awe, as she expressed, “I’m in absolute shock. My blouse is by Julie Caulfield, who express-posted this to me because they know how unorganised I am. My shoes are Zara and this is my mam’s bag that I stole off her.”
Style and Community at the Dublin Horse Show
The Dublin Horse Show is not just about equestrian events and competitions; it also serves as a platform for showcasing style and community spirit. The annual Ladies’ Day event brought together a diverse crowd, each with their own unique stories and connections to the grand tradition of the Horse Show. While some attendees, like Philip Brophy celebrating his 90th birthday, had deep-rooted family traditions associated with the event, others like Mary Ajide from Nigeria found it to be a captivating introduction to Irish culture. The blend of fashion, local produce, and equestrian sports created an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie, where individuals from various backgrounds came together to enjoy the grandeur of the show.
Empowering Fashion and Inclusivity
Among the attendees were individuals like Teresa McMahon and Denise Flynn, who used the Dublin Horse Show as a platform to promote inclusivity and empowerment through fashion. Teresa, the owner of Curvy Couture, showcased her inclusive fashion store that caters to sizes ranging from 12-18. Alongside Denise, the duo aimed to challenge conventional norms of fashion and highlight that clothing can be worn by women of all ages, sizes, and shapes. Their presence at the event symbolized a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse representation in the fashion industry, setting the stage for a more accepting and empowering future. Svetlana Sova, originally from Ukraine, also made a striking appearance at the Horse Show, showcasing her friend’s designer creations with elegance and grace. Her willingness to support and promote local designers reflected a sense of community and solidarity within the fashion world.
As the Dublin Horse Show continues to evolve and attract a broader audience, the intersection of fashion, culture, and community remains at the forefront of the event. Whether it’s celebrating a milestone birthday, discovering new fashion trends, or simply enjoying the beauty of equestrian sports, attendees find themselves immersed in a world where style meets tradition, and inclusivity reigns supreme. The Dublin Horse Show serves as a reminder of the power of fashion to bring people together, to inspire creativity, and to foster a sense of belonging within a diverse and vibrant community.