One of the most awaited events of the Dubai Racing Carnival’s 2024-2025 season, “Fashion Friday,” is finally taking place on January 24th at the Dubai Racing Club. This event encapsulates the essence of high-stakes racing and Dubai’s dynamic fashion culture, drawing a unique crowd of fashion enthusiasts and horse racing aficionados. With significant prize money up for grabs, Fashion Friday is poised to be one of the most coveted and watched horse racing events worldwide.
Fashion Friday is packed with some of the season’s most prestigious races. The centerpiece, the Al Maktoum Challenge (Group 1), boasts a hefty purse of more than AED 10 million over 1900 meters on dirt for top-tier 4-year-olds and older thoroughbreds, where the competition is fierce.
Besides racing, eye-catching fashion competitions will be held, and famous celebrities will also participate in Fashion Friday. According to information shared by the Dubai Racing Club, Vivien Sheriff, the globally renowned British milliner celebrated for her exquisite, one-of-a-kind designs, will grace Fashion Friday and the Dubai World Cup as a distinguished guest and judge for the Style Stakes competition.
In addition to her judging role, Vivien Sheriff will unveil the brand’s highly anticipated Racing Collection in Dubai, UAE. This bold new collection takes luxury headwear to extraordinary heights, blending artistry and elegance to create bespoke statement pieces that redefine race day fashion. Known for its signature use of sculpted feathers, intricate crystal embellishments, and vibrant, hand-dyed colors, Vivien Sheriff’s creations exude drama, sophistication, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, the racing events will begin with the Blue Point Sprint (Group 2), a 1000-meter turf race for horses aged three and above, setting the pace for the excitement ahead. The Al Shindagha Sprint (Group 3) and Al Fahidi Fort (Group 2) maintain the high-stakes momentum with races over 1200 and 1400 meters, respectively.
Other notable races include the Firebreak Stakes (Group 3), the UAE 2000 Guineas (Group 3), and the Jebel Hatta (Group 1), each adding its own layer of thrill with substantial rewards. The day concludes with the Al Khail Trophy (Listed), a 2810-meter turf event for seasoned racers.
Alongside world-class races, Dubai Racing Club’s Fashion Friday has in the past showcased remarkable fashion moments. Last year, the winner of the “Best Dressed” category dazzled with an ensemble inspired by the geometric patterns of the Meydan Racecourse, blending traditional Emirati elements with modern fashion.
“The Best Hat” was awarded to a creative piece incorporating elements of horse racing, such as jockey silks and miniature horseshoes. These moments not only set trends for upcoming seasons but also highlight Fashion Friday as a significant platform for fashion innovation in Dubai.
