Ladies Day downpour fails to dampen spirits of style queens

THE existence of an Irish monsoon season seemed confirmed yesterday with the arrival of several Miss Saigon cast members at the Kerrygold Horse Show fashion competition.

However, Ladies Day at the RDS soon lost its oriental promise as the summer showers proved too much for the delicate, silk costumes.

But the torrential downpours proved no deterrent to hundreds of native females intent on strutting their stuff despite the fact the conditions ensured most of the 400 entries for the Best Dressed Lady competition were more likely to make a splash than cut a dash.

Many entrants were more than happy to queue for over two hours with little shelter to be assessed by the judging panel of tailor Louis Copeland, image consultant Celia Larkin and fashion writer Kathleen O’Callaghan.

“It’s very difficult for people to dress appropriately,” said Celia. “The winner will be someone who shows us versatility as we are looking for clothes that suit their individuality as well as how they accessorise.”

Linda Martin, a mother of two from Dalkey Co Dublin, best met those criteria with her innovative 1920s Charleston-style outfit. She won the first prize of a Seat Leon car worth over 18,000.

The part-time beauty consultant only decided to enter the competition after being encouraged by her daughters Lucy, 11, and Sophie, six.

Linda said: “It’s brilliant. We were almost on our way home until I heard my name being called out on the public address system.”

Showing style does not have to prove costly, Ms Martin said her outfit of a gold-braided hat, patterned dress with brown wrap and matching shoes had been put together for a mere 150.

The reluctance of the Irish male to take part in best-dressed competitions has never been dependent on the weather and only a few brave souls volunteering for the contest.

Kilkenny antique dealer Alistair Hamill was victorious, winning a Louis Copeland-tailored suit for his outfit of a navy pinstripe suit and Gucci loafers.

Language teacher Fiona Quigley from Navan Rd, Dublin, won the 200 Most Creative Hat prize for the eye-catching creation she made from 50 CDs. “I managed to make it in about four hours on Wednesday night without having to use any discs from my own CD collection,” she said.

There was no category for most popular fashion accessory but the organisers might consider introducing a Best Umbrella competition next year.