Some of Ireland's most stylist women attended Punchestown racecourse this week, donning their finest threads in the hopes of being selected from the crowd by the festival's official style council.
Consisting of Stylist Jess Colivet, award-winning makeup artist Suzie O'Neill, 2019 Bollinger Best Dressed Lady Kate McNally McCormack, and Bollinger representative Michelle O’Sullivan, the council were on hand to eye up the hats, heels and handbags on display in order to gift the coveted title of 'Bollinger Best Dressed Lady' to one lucky lady.
Punchestown's Shona Dreaper explained the thinking behind the judging concept, saying:
"Style is opinion based and we wanted real women from different walks of life to each bring something unique to the process hence The Style Council."
This year's competition was as colourful as it was fierce with eight women from across the country making it to the finals: Killarney's Charlene Brosnan, Wexford's Julie Caulfield, Longford's Oniesa Owens, Carlow's Deirdre Kane, and Kildare women Clodagh Healy, Dearbhaile Donagh, Joanne Byrne, and Barretstown CEO Dee Ahearn.
In the end it was Carlow woman Deirdre Kane who took the top spot thanks to her beautiful mint cape and matching dress from Cranbrook Designs in Kildare, which she complimented with a silver feather brooch.
Posting about the look to Instagram, designer Lianne O'Shea said she was "beyond thrilled" to see the look on stage because she had finished the bespoke piece by "the skin of my teeth" the day before.
The winning look was paired with a pearl and floral headpiece from Julie Kenny Designs in Kildare, a pearl clutch from Jingles Naas, and white heels with diamante detailing.
Having already being crowned RDS Best Dressed Lady in 2018, and making it to the finals of numerous other race day competitions, Deirdre was overjoyed to finally take the crown at Punchestown.
As well as holding the coveted title, Kane wins a VIP trip for two to visit the exclusive Bollinger Estate in France where she and her guest will be given a private tour of the estate and guided tasting opportunities.
Furthermore, the trip includes Michelin star dining, chauffeur transfers, five-star accommodation and more.
Click through the gallery at the top of the page for more photos of the winning look.
