The glamour and thrills of the Dubai World Cup at Meydan
Laughter, camera clicks, and crystal flutes chimed in unison, turning Dubai's biggest sporting event into a cultural mosaic—and arguably one of the most stylish gatherings on the planet.
Film producer Julia Kim-von Den Driesch, known for movies such as WarHunt and Jeanne du Barry, which starred Johnny Depp as King Louis XV, stood near the paddock in a structured, vintage-inspired gown, beaming. 'This isn't just a horse race,' she said. 'It's an experience—exhilarating, elegant, and beautifully surreal.'
Von Den Driesch, who once called Dubai home, returned to participate in Style Stakes 2025, where fashionistas turned the racecourse into a catwalk. Dressed by Berlin-based stylists Tatiana and Natalia, her look paid homage to Scarlett O'Hara—the iconic heroine of Gone with the Wind, known for her dramatic style and defiant charm.
'Whether you're there for the races, the fashion, or both, the Dubai World Cup is truly a one-of-a-kind event. It's not just about who crosses the finish line first—it's a celebration of excellence, culture, and creativity,' she added.
'For me, being part of Style Stakes 2025 was more than a fashion moment—it was a personal milestone, a reminder of the power of style to inspire, connect, and uplift.'
The Style Stakes area buzzed like a backstage fashion show. Flashbulbs popped as entrants posed, not with the stiff elegance of red carpets, but with joyful spontaneity.
'Everyone here is in it for the fun,' said one judge, gesturing to a pair of sisters in coordinated floral ensembles. 'This is Dubai's version of Ascot, only warmer—literally and figuratively.'
Nearby, Miss Universe Hong Kong 2024, Joanne Rhodes, towered in a sculptural hat, chatting with guests under a marquee lined with cream and gold bunting. Her presence was one of many nods to the event's international allure.
But it wasn't just celebrities drawing glances. The crowd was a sartorial showcase: Emirati men in flowing white 'kanduras' mingled with women in haute couture gowns; racegoers wandered past food stalls serving everything from foie gras to shawarma. Hats came in every size and shape — some playful, others architectural — some perched atop heads like exotic birds.
The races themselves still provided the adrenaline rush — the million-dollar stakes, the photo finishes - but it was the atmosphere that lingered. It was the mingling of tradition and trend, the way a city like Dubai could host the world without losing itself.
As the night deepened and the final notes of a live jazz band floated through the warm desert air, Kim-von Den Driesch paused. 'It's more than glamour,' she said. 'It's a celebration of who we are, when we let the world in.
"I'm beyond thrilled to have been a small part of it. The memories of the animated crowds, unexpected triumphs, and stories written in dust and speed will stay with me long after the lights have dimmed."
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