The Dubai World Cup transcends being just a race day; it stands as one of the most iconic events in Dubai's social calendar, merging sport, fashion, and culture in an extraordinary fashion.

Over the years, it has become an integral part of my journey as a milliner based in the UAE, a week that continually motivates and inspires me.

When I launched my millinery brand in Dubai, I could never have foreseen the extent to which this city would shape my creative journey. Dubai is a celebration of ambition, elegance, and individuality. I have been fortunate to develop a strong reputation, creating hats and headpieces for both men and women attending some of the most stylish events in the UAE and beyond.

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From my studio in Dubai, my creations have reached international race events like Royal Ascot, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Melbourne Cup, but designing for the Dubai World Cup holds a unique significance.

Busy Week, Quiet Inspiration

The week before the race is always one of the most thrilling and hectic periods of the year. Amid fittings, finishing touches, and the final delicate stitches that go into a race day hat, I always make an effort to find a moment of tranquility in the mornings to visit the track.

Watching the horses during their morning workouts as the sun rises over Meydan is a profound source of inspiration. Those early hours possess a serene beauty, marked by the rhythm of the horses, the golden sunlight casting a glow across the tracks, and the quiet anticipation of the remarkable event that lies ahead.

Such mornings often ignite my creativity. Inspiration can arise from the most unexpected sources — the graceful movement of a horse, the elegance of a silhouette, the colors of a sunrise, and the natural beauty surrounding us. Even amidst a busy week, those moments remind me of why I fell in love with millinery in the first place.

Fashion has always been a vital component of racing tradition, with millinery at its heart. A beautifully crafted hat has the ability to elevate an outfit, expressing personality, confidence, and joy. Over the years, it has been gratifying to see so many women wearing my designs at the Dubai World Cup, embracing the elegance and theatricality that make race day fashion so exceptional.

Another great honor has been my invitation to serve as a judge at the Style Stakes during the Dubai World Cup, as well as judging the Super Saturday fashion events leading up to the big race in recent years.

Perspective from the Panel

Being part of the judging panel provides a different viewpoint of the event. You witness the excitement, uniqueness, and pride that people bring to their race-day attire, highlighting how style and creativity are integral to the spirit of this remarkable occasion.

This year felt particularly significant with the launch of the Millinery Collective, a wonderful initiative that reflects the long-standing traditions seen at Royal Ascot and brings attention to the craft of hat-making. For those of us committed to this art, it was a proud moment to see millinery celebrated in this manner.

It also holds special importance for me. Recently, I was honored to become the first milliner in the UAE to be invited to participate in the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, an extraordinary group curated by creative director Daniel Fletcher, showcasing the art of millinery at one of the world’s most prestigious racing events. Representing Dubai and the UAE within that esteemed circle was incredibly meaningful and a point of immense pride.

The Dubai World Cup has provided me with unforgettable memories, remarkable opportunities, and endless inspiration. As a milliner who has built her craft and career in Dubai, being part of the fashion narrative surrounding this extraordinary event, both as a designer and a Style Stake judge, fills me with immense pride.

McDermott is a hat designer

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