The Bollinger Best Dressed Competition returned to Punchestown Festival this afternoon, with an emphasis on sustainable fashion through this year's theme: 'Something Old/Something New'.
Fighting off fierce competition, it was Ciara Denvir from Belfast who took the top spot, with her consciously curated ensemble winning them a trip to the Bollinger Estate in France's stunning Champagne region along with a five-star Paris hotel stay, Michelin dining experience, flights and more.
Denvir dazzled onlookers and judges alike with her carefully curated monochrome ensemble, which she said was entirely "shopped from her own wardrobe".
The Belfast woman wore a cream and black hat designed by Awon Golding Millinery London, which she teamed a cream and black polka dot blouse by Coosy Studio (a Spanish brand), a black skirt by Romanian brand ATU Body Couture and a belt she's had for over 20 years.
Her stunning Dior earrings are several years old and added some delicate sparkle, while her statement green Prada shoes were bought last year in the sales. Finally, her bag is by Irish designer August Night and a ring from Boodles.
That ring, it turns out, was her key to her winning ensemble today in more ways than one. The piece was a gift from her husband, Peter Boyle, to mark their 25th wedding anniversary. Its purchase led to an invitation from the brand to join them for at the festival.
Speaking on her win, Denvir said: "I feel absolutely overwhelmed and completely excited, I couldn't believe it. I’ve never been to the races before, and never entered a best dressed. I am looking forward to a wonderful and beautiful prize."
Head Judge Jess Colivet was joined by guest judges Aoife McNamara, founder of Ireland's first B Corp fashion brand Aoife Ireland, and Isabel Gleeson, personal shopper and image consultant, in assessing this year's most stylish attendees.
Also on the lookout were Style Council Members Roxanne Parker, Lawson Mpame, David O'Connor, Kate Nally McCormack, alongside Style MC Marietta Doran.
Over the past three days, a number of finalists were singled out thanks to their sustainable style, with the competition running over the first four days of the festival. You can see all of the finalists here. Today saw an all-time record-breaking attendance of 42,138 at Punchestown, a whopping increase of over 5,500 on Ladies Day last year.
Speaking on the winning look, judge Colivet said: "We were looking for a curated look from head to toe, and I just felt this woman was elegance personified. Her outfit was a beautiful monochrome classic look with a twist, and then the bravery of wearing that green shoe. She wore her look with confidence, elegance and style, a great winner for Bollinger."
As if her winning outfit wasn't proof enough that Denvir has style, as it happens, the Belfast local is also a former winner of RTÉ's Home of the Year.
Having purchased and lovingly restored their Belfast home, they entered and won the competition in 2019. Since then, the former barrister Ciara has hung up her wig and is now in business, with her husband as a full-time interior designer.
We've no doubt the pair will get plenty of interior inspiration on their trip to France!
