At the heart of Dubai’s prestigious racing carnival, millinery emerges not as mere accessory but as wearable sculpture. The Dubai Racing Club’s Millinery Exhibition showcases extraordinary creations from talented hatmakers, presenting these artistic pieces for Fashion Friday at Meydan’s January 23 event.
Unlike conventional headwear, race day hats represent dramatic statements that often become the centerpiece of an outfit. These oversized, highly decorative creations transcend traditional fashion boundaries, blending artistic expression with sartorial elegance in what industry experts describe as ‘wearable art’.
The craftsmanship behind each piece involves extraordinary investment of time and skill. Bee Smith, a featured milliner, explains that couture millinery represents a significant financial commitment, with prices ranging from Dh900 to Dh2,200. This valuation reflects countless hours of skilled handwork, premium materials, and complex design elements that collectively transform raw materials into racing day masterpieces.
Smith emphasizes the extensive ‘invisible work’ involved in quality millinery: internal wiring for structural integrity, meticulous hand-dyeing processes, and rigorous comfort testing. These unseen elements, while never visibly apparent to observers, form the essential foundation supporting each hat’s aesthetic appeal.
Evelyn McDermott of Dubai-based Evelyn McDermott Millinery, with over a decade of international experience, highlights the global variations in racing hat requirements. Different venues impose specific dimensional standards, particularly at elite events like Britain’s Royal Ascot where Royal Enclosure attendees must adhere to strict guidelines.
McDermott observes that Dubai World Cup attendees typically favor elegant, well-curated outfits with millinery as the standout feature. The racing environment encourages theatrical individuality, with clients seeking distinctive pieces that photograph beautifully, move gracefully, and project confidence.
Both artisans agree that quality millinery represents a timeless investment when selected wisely. The combination of design integrity, expert craftsmanship, wearing comfort, and longevity justifies the significant commitment. The creation process involves painstaking attention to detail under tight deadlines, with the ultimate reward coming when clients proudly wear these personalized pieces that transcend fleeting fashion trends.
In an era of fast fashion, bespoke millinery stands apart as a slow, deliberate craft where each piece evolves as a personal statement rather than disposable accessory.