Rare hint of summer weather lures fashionistas to Killarney

On a day that brought a long-awaited hint of summer, style-conscious women turned out in their droves at Killarney Races.

Sunshine was the lure, and top prize in the fashion stakes — a weekend for two in Paris — went to Ciara Kelly, from Beaufort, Co Kerry, who was attending Ladies’ Day for the first time.

Looking a picture in a fitted, black, classic shift dress, purchased in Zara in Cork, and a disc headpiece with a veil and feather, from Debenhams, also Cork, Ciara appeared more surprised than anybody when declared Dawn Dairies Queen of Fashion.

“It was all at the last minute, really,” said elegant Ciara, who works with Occasions events company, in Cork.

“A whole bunch of us came for a day out to celebrate the 30th birthdays of Siobhan Quinlan and Caragh Moloney. This just feels great.’’

Runner-up was 16-year-old Molly Sullivan, of Ballyhar, Killarney.

Lithuanian native Agnes Kremenskiene, who is seven months pregnant, won the competition for the most stylish hat — a striking purple and orange creation. Her prize is a weekend for two in Milan. Agnes has lived in Killarney for 10 years and works in the local Jasmine Boutique.

Celebrity judges Yvonne Keating, former wife of singer Ronan Keating, and Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot said women in general made a massive effort to look their best.

“I’m very impressed,’’ said Ms Keating. “It was also great to see so many outfits purchased in local boutiques and that many people wore clothes made by themselves.’’

It certainly wasn’t all about designer labels, with “adaptability” being the buzzword among expert observers. Recycled fashion was also in vogue, as well as vintage clothes from the 1950s to the 1980s.

“Maybe it’s due to the recession, but women were very inventive with the way they integrated their clothes,” said Orla Diffily, of Upfront PR.

“There were lots of very interesting outfits on show and many women dressed to express their own personal style.

“Block colours predominated, with plenty of purple and orange around and a lot of fitted dresses a la Victoria Beckham.’’

While the focus was very much on female haute couture, some women kept an eye on what the men were wearing. It was noted that many of younger men in particular made an effort, with sharp, dark suits being the order of the day.

So much so that Ms Diffily said the organisers may consider a men’s fashion competition for the 2013 races.

Killarney Race Company chairman John Buckley last night voiced satisfaction with the four-day holiday meeting, with increased attendances and the biggest ever crowd on Ladies’ Day.