A Day of Blue and Elegance at the Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards
The sun shone brightly over The Curragh on Saturday, creating a perfect backdrop for a day filled with high fashion and thrilling competition. Racegoers arrived under clear skies, their outfits united by a common thread—blue. From bold cobalt to soft powder tones, the color of the day sparkled across the crowd like an ever-moving sea of style.
The Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards returned, bringing with it all the glamour that makes this event one of Ireland’s most anticipated race day fashion spectacles. Attendees showcased head-turning hats, elegant tailoring, and creative accessories, proving that when it comes to fashion, they are not afraid to make a statement. However, blue was clearly the star of the show.
Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian were tasked with selecting a winner from an impressive lineup of ten finalists. Each contestant brought their own unique flair, blending traditional race day elements with modern elegance. With sunshine, style, and a strong color theme, this year’s Sapphire Style Awards were a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts.
Annamarie Conroy emerged as the winner, taking home the top prize with her ‘Shine in Blue’ theme. A mother of three who works in merchandising at Vera Moda in Athlone, Annamarie wore a sapphire suit that is nearly 15 years old, described by her as “nearly vintage at this stage.” The suit was sourced from Karen Millen, while her hat came from Alison Roe Millinery. The standout piece of her outfit, however, was her mother’s beautiful cream blouse, which has been in the family for five decades.
Other racegoers also embraced the theme with a mix of traditional elegance and equestrian flair. One striking photograph captured three stylish women raising the bar for fashion. The woman on the left wore a powder blue dress with puffed sleeves and a cut-out waist, paired with a dramatic mesh hat and white accessories. The middle woman opted for a tailored navy blazer with gold detailing and beige jodhpurs, giving a chic nod to classic riding attire. The woman on the right wore a navy and blue striped gown with voluminous sleeves, styled with matching gloves, a feathered fascinator, and navy heels for a polished, fashion-forward look.
Another image highlighted two racegoers embracing bold shades of blue with distinct textures and striking accessories. On the left, one woman wore a vibrant cobalt dress with voluminous sleeves, paired with a dramatic feathered headpiece in electric blue tones and a classic Chanel handbag. On the right, another woman chose a delicate lace dress in powder blue, featuring subtle feathered accents and a plunging neckline, complemented by a sculptural white feather fascinator.
These racegoers turned heads with their blue ensembles, each bringing a sculptural flair to the event. The woman on the left wore a one-shouldered pleated dress in sky blue, featuring a dramatic draped sleeve and a standout floral headpiece in vivid blue and purple tones. Her look was finished with a sleek white clutch and oversized sunglasses. Beside her, the other guest opted for a soft cornflower blue dress with a structured shoulder and a metallic floral crown, carrying a geometric clutch for a modern twist.
Last but certainly not least, there were these ultra-stylish ladies who wore super unique dresses on the day. The woman on the left wore a beautiful blue gown adorned with framed eyes throughout—a first-of-its-kind design. The woman on the left also wore a stunning blue Rixo dress, paired with a contrasting red clutch bag and fascinator hat for added style points.
It’s safe to say that the 2025 Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards did not disappoint and could even be the best year yet. From the vibrant blue ensembles to the creative accessories, the event proved once again that Ireland knows how to shine on the fashion front.
