The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition returns to Punchestown Festival today, with an emphasis on sustainable fashion through this year's theme of 'Something Old/Something New'.
Guest judges Aoife McNamara, founder of Ireland's first B Corp fashion brand Aoife Ireland, and Isabel Gleeson, personal shopper and image consultant, will join Head Judge Jess Colivet in assessing this year's most stylish attendees.
Additionally, returning for 2025 are Style Council Members Roxanne Parker, Lawson Mpame, David O'Connor, Kate Nally McCormack as well as Style MC Marietta Doran.
The competition invites racegoers to showcase their 'consciously curated' ensembles for a chance to win a trip to the Bollinger Estate in France's stunning Champagne region with a five-star Paris hotel, Michelin dining experience, flights and more.
The competition ran over the first four days of the popular festival, with daily finalists chosen in the run-up to the hotly anticipated Ladies Day on Friday, 2 May.
Head Judge Jess Colivet insisted that she would also be approaching race day style in a sustainable way: "I myself will be reinventing a look based on a piece that I have worn at four Punchestown festivals!"
Jess continued: "Fashion is evolving, people are borrowing pieces from friends, the rental market has exploded, and both online and in-store pre-loved fashion is the norm among younger generations. Identifying ethical brands and investing in a beautifully made coat, dress or piece that will stand the test of time is always a sustainable fashion choice.
"Think timeless quality. Each year, the best-dressed at Punchestown produces a wonderful story with a hat, bag, dress or even jewellery that has been passed down from generation to generation. That's sustainable fashion at its best".
Meet the finalists
Day 1 finalists:
- Raymond Gilbourne
- Lisa Walsh
- Genevieve Ryan
- Tristan Conway-Behan and Louise Corrigan
- Breda Butler
Bollinger Best Dressed Daily Winner: Genevieve Ryan
Roscommon woman Genevieve Ryan enjoyed a superb first visit to the Punchestown Festival when she was chosen as the daily winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Competition.
Having embraced the theme of the competition by shopping her own wardrobe, Genevieve wowed the judges and attendees with her impeccable style and the story of how she curated her unique twist on the classic monochrome look.
Head judge Jess Colivet commented: "Within 10 mins of arriving in the gate, she was clearly the one to beat!"
The shirt was purchased from MacBees in Killarney three years ago and recently underwent a revamp when Genevieve swapped the old buttons for new ones.
Her polka dot skirt was a recent purchase from Coosy, her Jimmy Choo shoes were a Depop bargain, and her handmade hat was perfected by her 3-year-old daughter's favourite teddy’s bow.
Her rings came from Irish brand Chupi, earrings from Faizie Maizie, and her cloud bag by Aoife Mullane was another Depop find.
Day 2 finalists:
- Raymond and Gillian Gilburn
- Onesia Owens
- Faith Amond
- Davinia Knight
- Steve Bennett
Bollinger Best Dressed Daily Winner: Oniesa Owens
Longford mum Oniesa Owens was crowned Bollinger Best Dressed of the day. She wore a Roisin Linanne black trousers from a suit she bought a few years ago, teamed with a Rotate jacket from Longford Boutique Fabiani.
Her hat was by Wendy Louise, and her bag and shoes were Chanel and Malone Soulier, respectively. Oniesa, a finalist in last year’s competition, commented: "Having been a finalist last year, the pressure was on to see if I could go one better and actually win, I’m over the moon!"
Style MC Marietta Doran commented that the winner embodied the "timeless taste and style synonymous with Bollinger and Punchestown".
Day 3 finalists:
- Nadine King
- Kevin Old
- Maria Osbourne
- Aurelija Kupryte
- Dee Ahearn
Bollinger Best Dressed Daily Winner: Maria Osbourne
Maria Osbourne wowed the judges with a mellow yellow two-piece suit by Irish designer Aoife McNamara that she recently purchased at the Kildare Village Easter pop up shop. Her hat, a Marc Millinery rental from Hats Amore in Newbridge, was teamed with an old Zara bag she had at home, Chanel sunglasses borrowed from her sister, and preloved Jimmy Choos that she purchased on Vinted.
The Bollinger Best Dressed Daily Winners will be fast tracked to the Grand Finale when the overall 2025 Bollinger Best Dressed Winner will be announced.
Click through the photo gallery above to see more snaps of the incredible style.
