Winners of the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed at the Galway Races

What a day we had the 2016 Galway Races Ladies Day. There was so much amazing style and magnificent millinery, it was a tough decision for our judges to select their finalists. They strolled the enclosure at Ballybrit from 11am to 1pm and selected 20 finalists for the g Hotel & Spa Best Dressed, all of whom were invited back to the #gHotelBestDressed marquee for bubbles and bites.

In the meantime, our g Hotel & Spa team were roaming the enclosure with our photo props and plenty of gorgeously dressed and fun loving racegoers got into the spirit of the day with lots of photos appearing on social media channels with the official hashtag of #gHotelBestDressed. Marietta Doran was also busy on the pop up runway interviewing finely dressed attendees of all ages including the legendary Kitty who was celebrating her 90th birthday and has been at every Galway Races since she was a wee girl. At 2.30pm, the crowds gathered at the #gHotelBestDressed Marquee for the announcement of the winners.

the g Hotel Best Dressed Lady Winner was the lovely Lisa McGowan, an insurance broker from Tullamore in County Offaly and owner of Lisa's Lust fashion blog. Lisa was wearing a hat by Northern Ireland designer, Marie Claire Millinery, a stunning 'Strawberry & Lime' dress which is from her own soon to be launched collection, a handbag from Glitz, jewellery from Dessert Diamonds Ireland and shoes from Dunnes Stores.

the g Hotel & Spa Best Hat went to worthy winner Ciara Murphy from Dunboyne in County Meath, a Garda in STore Street in Dublin. Ciara’s hat was by Fiona Rafter Millinery in Dunshaughlin and is described as a bronze feathered piece with arrows and rose buds inspired by Game of Thrones.

Our judging panel included Triona Barrett General Manager of the g Hotel & Spa, Louise Duffy Today FM radio broadcaster, Mandy Maher from Catwalk Models, Melanie Morris from Image Publications and Bairbre Power Fashion Editor with the Irish Independent. We would like to thank all those that supported Ladies Day at the Galway Races 2016. It was our first year as sponsors of the Best Dressed competitions and we look forward to next year. 

Throughout the Galway Races, you will be assured of stunning style, gorgeous cocktails, delicious food and music every night of the week at the g Hotel & Spa. From chart topping favourites to smooth Jazz, our entertainment line up at the g Hotel will have you on the dance floor well into the early hours. A full section of delicious pre and post racing drinks and food options are available for race week. To make an enquiry for 2017 please contact the team in the g Hotel & Spa on stay@theg.ie or 091 865200.

Choosing a Hat for the Races

A headpiece is the crowning glory of your Galway Races outfit and the right hat is just as important as your dress as it can make or break an outfit. As sponsors of the official Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions (#gHotelBestDressed) at the Galway Races as well as hosting our own Best Hat (#gBestHat) event at the g Hotel & Spa as part of our Ladies Day After Party, we have researched all of the expert advice on choosing a hat for the races.

Choosing a hat should be a pleasure. There are no hard and fast rules, only guidelines to help and assist. Show your personality and choose something comfortable that you love. Experiment until you find the hat you like best and makes you feel fabulous – you are worth it!

A day at the Races and in particular Ladies Day at the Galway Races is one of the few occasions where we have an opportunity to be daring and express our personality. Make a statement at this year’s Galway Races and turn to one of Ireland’s leading milliners by choosing one of their beautiful creations whether sleek & refined or show stopping & bold. If you have chosen your outfit but are still looking for the perfect hat, bring your dress with you and most milliners can match a piece or create a sensational contrast for stand out appeal.

Matching your hat to your figure

It is important to your physical features into account when choosing a hat. Your height and shoulder width is the best guide for dictating the brim width of your hat. Generally the taller you are, the wider the brim you can carry off. Here are some hints that subtly alter proportions.

A petite woman may be best with a smaller hat to keep your look in proportion and should you have a very ornate headpiece, many stylists suggest an understated dress to showcase the hat. Try to avoid hiding your neck if possible as this can take from your height.

A tall woman could opt for a wider brim ensuring you take shoulder width into consideration to maintain balance. Wide brims also look well on fuller figured fashionistas and ladies wearing wider skirts.

Choosing a hat to suit your Face Shape

It is very important to choose a hat or headpiece that works for your face shape.

Round face – More structured or square styles usually suit round faces best. Ladies with rounder faces may consider adding height to your crown to elongate your face and a small brim can also add to the effect.  Cloche inspired hats look great and it can be fun to play with slants.

Heart face – A tilted style headpiece can really compliment and highlight your cheeks and distinct a jawline. If you have a very petite face, avoid being overpowered by a large heavy looking crown.

Square face – With defined features and stronger bone structure than other face shapes, ladies with square faces tend to look great in rounder styles so opt for a hat with softer lines. Narrow crowns can be unflattering unless they are balanced by a trim that gives it both softness and width. Asymmetrical silhouettes look well.

Oval or Long Face – Avoid hats with tall crowns and this will only further elongate your visage. A wider brim will balance an oval or long face but remember to use your shoulder width as a guide or you may overbalance!

Some Interesting tips from the Horse & Hound Magazine

• Traditionally ladies hats are worn down to the right and up to the left. This means that most small hats sit on the right hand side of the head.
• In general it is more flattering to have your hair parting hidden beneath the hat.
• If you are wearing a bold print or lace dress, avoid wearing a hat with an elaborate or fussy trim.
• If you want to make a statement with your hat, pair it with a simple outfit.
• Avoid matching your hat, bag and shoes as it will cut your silhouette in too many places.
• Make sure your hat feels secure and comfortable so that you will not have to re-adjust it during the occasion.

For more information on the Ladies Day Best Dressed Events please see the g Hotel & Spa website - official sponsors of the Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat competitions at the Galway Races. Also hosts of a Best Hat with Philip Treacy Prize and Most Stylish Man competition during the Après Racing Party which kicks off at 7pm on Thursday 28th July 2016.

Hats featured in this blog post are from from Carol Kennelly, Aoife Kirwan and Edel Ramberg.

Glamour at the g

Since 2007, The g Hotel has hosted
fashion events to celebrate milestone events and more recently to raise funds for worthy charities. Aptly named Glamour at the g, the 2014 edition took place on Thursday 12th June and proceeds were donated to Console, COPE Galway and Irish Autism Action.

The evening was a huge success and saw a stunning array of fashion, style, youth and maturity descend on The g. Today FM's Louise Duffy guided guests through the impressive list of Irish designers and Catwalk Modelling Agency produced a show worthy of London Fashion Week! 

The world of fashion is a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity. Perhaps it is the ever changing seasons in Ireland that helped to create so many talented designers such as Joanne Hynes, Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney? Could the soft beginnings of Spring have inspired Laura J Halton or the riotous brightness of Summer for Helen Steele?
The richness of Autumn in Ireland certainly contributed to Niamh O'Neill's collection and the glint of winter sun on metal have captured a fan in Emma Manley.

Ireland has fired the imaginations of designers for centuries and a new wealth of milliners have also come forth since Philip Treacy first reached the heights of fame in 1991. Also renowned as design director of The g, Philip's success has encouraged many Irish designers to stride forth into the style arena so that they too might have the opportunity to count the British Royal Family, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker amongst their clients. 

Fiona Mangan already designs for Zara Philips whilst Natalie B Coleman has provided gorgeous outfits for Marina and the Diamonds. Galway has long been known as Ireland's cultural heart with many local crafts high on visitors wish lists. Traditional crafts are still in existence but the skills set is diversifying and the impressive list of successful Galway milliners include Edel Ramberg, Mark T Burke, Emily Jean, Andrea Tighe, Caithriona King, Michael Mullins, Mary White and Suzie Mahony all helping to place the City of Tribes on the twenty first century style map.

Not forgetting the gents, men's fashion now covers a wide range of styles but Louis Copeland still rules the art of classic and is behind one of Ireland's best known tailoring dynasties. Moving in celebrity circles, his passion is contagious and actress and author Amy
Huberman now has a line of shoes as does Ireland Rugby hero Tommy Bowe.

Whilst The g did not create the world of fashion, our Philip Treacy designed walls and suites have certainly claimed the Number 1 position in the hearts of fashionistas, stylists, creatives and those that dare to dream....success and hard work can lead to dizzy heights for all Irish designers.

Glamour at the g brought 450 guests - 10 Irish Designers - 9 Galway Milliners and 3 worthy Charities together for 1 electric fashion extravaganza. Thank you to all who worked so hard on this years event and we hope to see you at the next one!