One of the most hotly contested competitions of the Dublin Horse Show took place today with Aoibheann McMonagle from Falcarragh, Donegal being crowned the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day best dressed. A large crowd was present to witness as she was picked from a shortlist at the band lawn stage in the RDS and was presented with a shopping voucher worth €10,000 for Dundrum Town Centre, redeemable anywhere in the Centre. Aoibheann Mc Monagle impressed judges with her take on Ladies Day fashion. Her outfit exuded elegance, with a little fun, which clearly struck a chord with the judges top fashion stylist Courtney Smith, fashion editor Bairbre Power and Dundrum Town Centre personal stylist Lorna Weightman. Her classic boater-style hat was designed by Ashleigh Myles, which tied in perfectly with her printed Marc Jacobs Skirt. Neutrals in the form of a crisp white Karen Millen skirt and Aldo bag and shoes, completed the look.

Winning the ‘Longines Elegance is an Attitude’ prize of a Longines Equestrian Collection Boucle watch, which is cased in steel with diamond set indices, was Martina O’ Donovan, who was noted by judges for her effortlessly elegant ensemble, with her headpiece adding real attitude. The ‘Great Lengths Most Creative Hat’ was won by Kaela Kegan for her stunning vintage inspired headpiece. The sartorially savvy men were not left out and the ‘Louis Copeland Best Dressed prize’ for the men was won by the very smartly attired Everton Tadeu Da Silva, who will now have a handmade suit made for him from the famous tailors, after impressing judges with his great colour combinations and excellent attention to tailoring. An additional prize for ‘Style and Attitude’ was awarded to the very stylish Brian Kidd by Louis Copeland.

Speaking of the winner, judge Courtney Smith said, “The sun and the style were out in full today and there was a brilliant atmosphere for this year’s Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day. I was struck by the originality today – lots of people making or borrowing elements of their outfits which really added a personal edge to the looks.”

Looking at the trends from the day, judge Lorna Wightman noted, “There was lots of monochrome which I think is always a failsafe, classic choice. It also leaves scope to add colour and personality with the accessories, and we saw some really creative looks today.”

Bairbre Power said “Once again the standard of entrants was so high, making our job very difficult! It was fantastic to see so many ladies making their own headpieces. It seems millinery is hobby of the season!”

Some interesting stats from the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse Show:

Over 400 ladies entered the competition this year.

The most popular colours on the day were reds, pinks and monochrome.

In the ‘Most Creative Hat’ category, the most popular themes were spikes and florals with lots of entrants making their own creations.

Don Nugent, Dundrum Town Centre Managing Director said today “The Dublin Horse Show is always a fantastic event and something we are really proud to be a part of. Once again, the style was show stopping and with the sun shining, it made for a fantastic day.”

Prizes:

Dundrum Town Centre Best Dressed Lady – a €10,000 Dundrum Town Centre voucher that can be redeemed anywhere in the centre.

Louis Copeland & Sons Best Dressed Man – A made to measure Louis Copeland & Sons half canvassed suit made from 100% superfine Wool with two button fastenings.

Longines ‘Elegance is an Attitude’ – A Longines Equestrian Collection Boucle. Inspired by the rectangular buckle on the show bridle of the Swiss horse breed the French-Montagne, the steel cased model houses a quartz movement, with diamond set indices.

Great Lengths Most Creative Hat - €1,000 worth of Great Lengths hair extensions and a €1,000 voucher for the 5* Mount Juliet Hotel in Kilkenny.