Expectant mother grabs best-dressed find at Curragh thrift store

Expectant mother grabs best-dressed find at Curragh thrift store

Forget the battle for gold: the racegoers who competed for the title of ‘best dressed’ at The Curragh on Saturday were competing for the title of ‘blue ribbon’.

The Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards saw some of the country’s most glamorous and fashion-forward ladies battle it out in all things style.

The 2024 prizes were perhaps the most coveted yet and certainly presented a tough decision for judges Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian.

Style judges Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Brian said of the day: ‘The Barberstown Castle Sapphire Award ceremony was the highlight of The Irish Oaks Weekend.

“We loved meeting all the participants and seeing how they showcased their own unique talent.”

Style judges Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian with Davinia Knight and Shaun Conroy. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan

Brian said the men deserved a special mention this year, with two making it into the top ten finalists for the best dressed competition. ‘Sean! He had a walking stick, we were all singing “Sexy, everything about you’s so sexy!”‘ he laughed, mimicking the Liberty X 90s classic.

Makseuda Akhter from Malahide Co.Dublin Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan

But in the end it was Makseuda Akter, who is 38 weeks pregnant, who was chosen as Brian and Arthur’s ‘deserving winner’.

Arthur explained: ‘Her outfit, which we didn’t know was from St Vincent de Paul, was so amazing. It was also very angelic, very understated. And that shows that no matter who you are, what shape you are, you can embrace fashion, and we literally fell in love with her.’

Makseuda Akhter photo: Andres Poveda

An elated Makseuda explained that her look was very last minute. ‘I bought my dress at St Vincent, Paul, because I didn’t know. How big I was going to be! So I couldn’t prepare!

I bought my dress two days ago at a thrift store and my hat is from Fiona Rafter, she designed it.’

Makseuda Akhter photo: Andres Poveda

For Makseuda, who is also a model and actress in addition to her work as a pilot, it was a first-time lucky break. She visited the Curragh for the first time with her son and daughter, aged 13 and 14.

For her efforts she received a fantastic prize: €5,000 and a luxury stay at Barberstown Castle in September.

She also gets a fantastic day at the races, the Champions Festival, including lunch and transport.

See more of Curragh’s style below.

Style judges Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian pictured with Billy Kiss and Yasmin Seky.
Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Style judges Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian pictured with some of the contestants in today’s style competition.
Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Anna Marie Conroy from Forbade Co.Offaly Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Denise Hanley and Jenny Ryan from Roscommon Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Veronica Walsh of Naval Co.Meath Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Siobhan Ryan from Tipperary. Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Laura and Bridge Hanlon from Roscommon Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Moira O’Toole from Kilkenny Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Angela O’Rourke of Bambridge Co.Down
Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan
Makseuda Akhter photo: Andres Poveda
Makseuda Akhter photo: Andres Poveda