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Here are Louise Macdonald's answers to frequently asked millinery questions about the Dubai World Cup. Click on the questions to view the respective answer:

(updated in February 2010)

What style of hats are in this year (2010)?

Did you create something special for this racing season?

What are the most popular colours for spring 2010?

Any tips for someone who has never been to the Dubai World Cup before? Should they choose a formal, edgy or casual look?

Is there a hat for someone who says "I like hats, but they don't suit me"?

Which item should be chosen first, the hat/headpiece or the dress?

Any tips about choosing a hat to suit someone's outfit?

Any millinery tips left?

What style of hats are in this year (2010)?
In 2010 we will see many small hats sitting close to the head, trimmed in twists and ties for straw and fabric, reflecting the tucks and drapes in the season's racewear frocks! Bandeau, bows and wrapped turban styles will also work well.

I always like a bit of shade at the Dubai World Cup, so larger brimmed or medium-sized hats are trimmed with soft sculpted trims, ruffles and pleated ribbon (view photo above). It would be a great way to compliment your outfit this 2010 season. Big floral prints are also appearing, so expect to see some delicious floral trims on any sized hat.

Did you create something special for this racing season?
My stunning new range of Whimsies! Each Whimsy is created to couture standards from a mix of vintage materials and the best quality trims that I can source. I think the Whimsy is perfect for the upcoming season if you don't want to go large in terms of size and budget, but don't want to compromise on quality and style! The Whimsy range fits any head size, sits securely – so won't be blown away on a windy day –, suits all face shapes and can be worn on any angle to suit.

An additional benefit is the perfect size of the Whimsy if you are intending to travel – no large hat box is required. But the Whimsies are not for races only! They are suitable for any occasion: from weddings and parties to many more events on your social calendar.


What are the most popular colours for spring 2010?
Beige, black and white are always popular. However, coral/melon colours and various shades of blue and green are going to be seen around a lot in 2010. Remember: you don't need to get the same colour hat as your frock or outfit! Match your hat with your accessories, bag, shoes or jewellery.


Any tips for someone who has never been to the Dubai World Cup before? Should they choose a formal, edgy or casual look?
The Dubai World Cup is unique because the races start in mid afternoon, when the sun is still very hot, and continue into the late evening. So you will see a mix of day wear with wide brimmed hats providing shelter from the sun, to evening gowns with sparkling headpieces, and everything else in between! Go to millinery.info to see what has been worn in previous years! There is a real mix of styles, but every woman makes an effort to dress up in their own way. So I would say formal, edgy, classical, modern, chic, hip; anything, but casual!


Is there a hat for someone who says "I like hats, but they don't suit me"?
I hear this often and enjoy proving it to be false! If you are shorter with a round face and all you have tried on is hats with a round crowns and big brims, no wonder you think hats don't suit you! If you are having trouble to find the best style hat to suit you, contact Louise Macdonald Millinery.

My feeling is that there is a hat to suit everyone. Here some tips in how to find the hat for you:

• Try on as many different hat styles as you can – round crown, square crown, tall crown, short crown, no brim, wide brim, small brim, up turned, straight, turned up one side... There will be something there for you! If you are of short stature, you will look better in a smaller or brimless hat. A taller person can wear a bigger brim. The crown of the hat shouldn't be narrower than your cheek bones. And if you want your face to look longer, try a taller crown. If you have a long face, steer away from the taller crowns.
• A big factor in whether the hat suits is also affected by how you wear it. The label inside the hat denotes the back of the hat. There are exceptions, but hat styles these days are generally designed to be on top or forward on the head, not tipped back on the head. Try tipping the hat forward and at an angle (right or left) – this can make a huge difference to how the hat looks on you.
• How you style your hair can transform a look. Women with long hair will find a hat looks best when the hair is drawn back behind the ears or in a low bun or pony tail. Show off your neck! With shorter hair you can experiment with hair forward or back from the face. Of course there are exceptions; when wearing a deep crowned 1920s style cloche, it looks best with some wisps of hair coming over the cheeks. Hair colour is also a consideration. If you have dark hair, it is best not to choose a black hat; the idea is for the hat to be a different colour to your hair.

Which item should be chosen first, the hat/headpiece or the dress?
Well, that's a tricky question! I'm a milliner so, of course, I'm going to say the hat! There are many more dress options in Dubai than hat options. So it's best to get the hat first, then buy the dress! However, most people do it the other way around!


Any tips about choosing a hat to suit someone's outfit?

• If your outfit is very busy, you may want the hat to be simple. If the outfit is simple you can go to town on the hat!
• Is the outfit sharp, tailored, soft or draped? Ideally you need these elements to be complimented in the hat.
• Make sure you take your dress/outfit and accessories with you when you go looking for a hat, so you can coordinate colours better. This will save you a trip in the busy Dubai traffic! Many women have had to go back home from the hat shopping to check on a color!
• The colour of the hat should compliment your skin tones as well as your outfit. The hat is sitting right there next to your face, so you want to choose a flattering colour! Some shades can be difficult to wear. Yellow, black, pastels can do wonders for some, but can wash out or appear sallow on others.

Any millinery tips left?

• Wear what suits you; don't be too dictated by trends.
• Your hat should be comfortable and fit properly. If you have to keep adjusting and fiddling with your hat, it can spoil your day.
• When making your hat choice, be daring, be fearless, have fun!

(updated in February 2010)

View Louise Macdonald's millinery collection
View photos of Louise's hats in previous Dubai races

Enquiries
For more information, please contact Louise Macdonald Millinery.