Our Stories
VOGUE WILLIAMS TO JUDGE BEST DRESSED AT DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY
VOGUE WILLIAMS TO JUDGE BEST DRESSED AT DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY – CURRAGH RACECOURSE 28th JUNE
Vogue Williams is set to bring style, glamour and star power to this year’s prestigious Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby after being announced as Lead Fashion Judge for the highly anticipated Best Dressed Competition at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday, 28th June. The presenter, podcaster, model and brand ambassador, who recently revealed she is expecting her fourth baby with husband, Spencer Matthews, is one of the most recognisable and stylish figures in the worlds of fashion, beauty and entertainment.
With her effortless style, glamorous image and hugely successful career across television, fashion and beauty, the proud Dubliner is the perfect fit for the stylish occasion, where elegance and race-day fashion are as eagerly anticipated as the world-class racing itself.
The presenter, podcaster and entrepreneur has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable media personalities, balancing a hugely successful career alongside family life between London and her beloved hometown of Howth. Vogue continues to dominate both Irish and UK entertainment circles. Her chart-topping podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me with close friend Joanne McNally has become a global sensation, while her regular appearances on ITV’s Lorraine, major red carpets and hit television shows have cemented her place as a fan favourite. She also won over audiences with her appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in late 2025.
Away from television, Vogue has built an impressive business empire spanning beauty, fitness, and fashion. Her tanning range ‘Bare by Vogue’ continues to soar in popularity, while her fitness app ‘Flexy’ and fashion collaborations have further strengthened her brand. Now, the stylish mum-of-three, soon to be four, is preparing to cast her eye over the fashion stakes at one of Ireland’s most glamorous sporting occasions.
“I am really looking forward to a fantastic day of style,” said Vogue. “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse is one of the most elegant days of the year, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible fashion on display. Being in Ireland makes it even more special!”
“I’ll be looking for energy, fun and a touch of personality. I love having an excuse to get dressed up, and fashion and style are passions of mine that I really enjoy.” Vogue will be joined on the judging panel by Alpana Cidambi, representing Dubai Duty Free, the event’s long-standing title sponsor and lifestyle and fashion writer, Bairbre Power. Commenting on this year’s competition, Bairbre Power said: “It’s wonderful to see people express their creativity and confidence through what they wear. The Best Dressed Competition always brings out some incredible fashion, and I’m expecting to see everything from timeless chic to bold, contemporary looks. Irish racegoers never disappoint.”
The winner of the Best Dressed Competition will receive a spectacular prize package from Dubai Duty Free, including return flights for two to Dubai, five nights at the luxurious Creekside Hotel Dubai, an Accor Hotel and €1,000 spending money to enjoy at the award-winning airport retailer.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival runs from Friday, 26th June to Sunday, 28th June, with the Derby itself taking place on Sunday. Last year’s race was won by Lambourn, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, becoming the 20th horse to complete the prestigious Anglo-Irish Derby double.
Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi will host guests in the stunning St. Leger Suite at the Curragh on Derby Day. Since becoming title sponsor in 2008, Dubai Duty Free has significantly elevated the prestige of the event, sponsoring six of the nine races on Sunday and helping to cement its place as one of the premier fixtures on the global racing calendar. In addition to domestic coverage on RTÉ, the event will be broadcast internationally, including Racing TV, ensuring extensive global exposure.
“Sports sponsorship has long been an important part of Dubai Duty Free’s marketing strategy, enabling the business to reach a global audience through the extensive international media exposure associated with world-class sporting events,” said Ramesh Cidambi.
“The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby continues to be part of the prestigious World Pool, further enhancing its international profile and attracting audiences from across the globe. Events such as this provide an exceptional platform for global television coverage, showcasing our brand to millions of viewers worldwide. We are looking forward to a fantastic day of racing and entertainment at The Curragh, one of the world’s most iconic racecourses and home to all five Irish Classics.”
Dubai Duty Free is also a major sponsor of several international sporting events and is the owner and organiser of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, held annually in February in Dubai. The tournament has been won by legends including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and Best Dressed Competition takes place on Sunday, 28th June at The Curragh Racecourse, Co. Kildare. Tickets are available at www.curragh.ie.
-ENDS-
For further press information or photography please contact Aileen O’Brien, O’Brien PR (086) 8403624 aileen@obrienpr.com