By Diana Cavagnaro

Del Mar Opening Day Hats Contest brought hat aficionados out eager to enter the contest on July 16 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. This year brought more than 100 contestants who competed for more than $4,000 in cash and prizes in four different categories. Doors opened to a limited capacity as they leaned on the side of caution. There were approximately 16,000 horse and hat fans that attended the racetrack on this opening day 2021.

Studio Savvy Salon owner, Deena Von Yokes brought models dressed for hats, fashion, and fun as part of the Hats Contest that she now directs every year. They were wearing

dresses by fashion designer Stephanie UgoChi Iwuaba. These stylish creations were topped off with chapeaus designed by Christine A. Moore. The contestants came dressed in coordinated outfits to compete in front of the judges. One of my favorite ensembles was a bird in a nest hat, with a birdcage purse, and birdcages in the heel of the shoes.

Lori Shelton of San Diego won First Prize for the Best Racing/All Others theme. Shelton created a racing hat using the yellow and purple colors of the Breeders Cup. She added a matching purple dress and shoes for a standout look. Belinda Berry from Walnut Creek won First Prize for the Most Glamorous. She wore a huge hat made out of turquoise and white ostrich feathers and added a white dress with a turquoise band and matching white shoes. Kathy LaBordo of San Diego took First Place for the Best Fascinator wearing a huge flower hat. The flower was off white and coordinated with a black dress and shoes and topped off with a clock purse.

Rebecca Smith from Encinitas won First Prize for the Best Flower hat which was designed by milliner Christine A. Moore. The hat was made of white horsehair with a fabric rose sitting atop the hat and finished with millinery veiling. She matched the ensemble with a white dress and bone shoes. Smith was also the Grand Prize winner receiving two VIP tickets to the 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar, valued at $1,000. She was also awarded a $300 cash prize plus a Studio Savvy Salon Gift Basket of $250 for a grand total of more than $1,500 in prizes.

In addition to this racing season, The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at the Del Mar Racetrack on November 5 & 6. This prestigious international event is returning for the second time to Del Mar and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will run a full season until September 6. In addition many of the cultural and community events are returning. For more information visit www.dmtc.com

— Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in San Diego. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.