Racing fans were excited as ever for the Opening Day of the 77th summer racing season at Del Mar on Friday, July 15. This was the first time in 46 years that that the summer opener was on a Friday. Attendance this year was up and totaled 42,562 race goers. Everyone arrived with two things in mind: hats and horses. All the racegoers came well dressed, as this is San Diego’s biggest fashion event of the year. People come to be seen and show off their beautiful hats. There were more men this year wearing coordinated outfits that were topped off with stylish hats. They were very fashion forward. Some women opted to wear fascinators and others choose to wear a traditional hat with a large brim. Attendees wore hats from designers around the world such as Philip Treacy, Lola, and Louise Green. Other fans sported hats by local businesses such Carol Bader, Jill Courtemanche, the Village Hat Shop, and Diana Cavagnaro-Couture Millinery.
There is always much anticipation for the hat contest each year. This year was no exception and there were more than 300 contestants who entered the 22nd annual Opening Day Hats Contest at Del Mar. Andria Elam won the Best Fascinator category along with The Bing Crosby Grand Prize. This winning entry was a lavender and turquoise fascinator adorned with beautiful feathers and veiling. Elam won a Fairmont Grand Del Mar one-night stay and dinner for two at the Addison Restaurant. The Most Glamorous was Renee Salas with red rose and polka dot ribbons on her hat. The Best Flower Chapeau went to Tessa Robeson who adorned a hat with bright tropical flowers and added gold skeletons drinking tequila. The Most Outrageous Hat went to Nadia Dayzie who was wearing a large green under-the-sea themed hat, which scattered bubbles. The Best Racing Theme winner was Rachel Burton who sported a starting gate with a grandstand and winner’s circle. Dame Zandra Rhodes could be seen in the winner’s circle with the hat contestants. Rhodes was one of the celebrity judges this year. Racing will continue five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays until Sept. 5. The track will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for Labor Day. Look for the next Hat Contest on Opening Day of the Bing Crosby Season, which will begin on Nov. 11. The season will continue through Dec. 4. Remember every racing day is a great day to wear a hat! For tickets, call 858-792-4242. UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, Aug. 4, 2nd Fashion & Beauty Bash from 6 to 8 p.m. at 7874 Girard Ave. The event is free and sponsored by Tresor Rare and FWSD. The night will have beauty demonstrations, jewelry display, air brush make up, blow up hair styling, music and dancing performance. Saturday Aug. 27 Charity Fashion Show featuring jewelry designer, Ziur Designs and La Jolla fashion designer, Kenneth Barlis. The location will be at Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy and will begin at 5 p.m. The event will benefit Give Clean Water Foundation and is free if you RSVP at [email protected] or it is $5 at the door. Saturday, Aug. 27 Hot Diggity Dog Fashion Show at Del Mar Plaza Deck from 5 to 9 p.m. Chic summer fashions from premier local designers and photo ops with runway models. The event benefits Helen Woodward Animal Center. For tickets, visit finehomes andliving.com/Hot-Diggity-Dog-Tickets. Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at www.DianaCavagnaro.com.