THE Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) would like to wish its chairman Conor O’Neill and all his team at Punchestown Racecourse the very best of luck for the exciting week ahead.

In this week’s column we will take a closer look at how Punchestown and Bollinger have taken a fresh look at their style concept this year.

With only days until Punchestown returns with ‘The Great Comeback Festival’ from Tuesday, April 26th to Saturday 30th, organisers have announced a fresh new take for the best dressed selection process.

The Bollinger Best Dressed Style Council 2022 is a collective of ladies who have succeeded and excelled in the world of style and business. Encapsulating elegance and sophistication, these selectors have walked the walk and they bring knowledge, real-life experience and occasion-dressing practicality to the selection process.

Here is an introduction to The Bollinger Style Council members.

Jess Colivet – Qualified Stylist

Having graduated from the London College of Style, qualified personal stylist and mother of five Jess Colivet has many fond memories of attending Punchestown from an early age. Jess believes that “fashion is less about clothes and more about personal style”.

Suzie O’Neill – Beauty

Entrepreneur

Suzie is an award-winning Irish makeup artist and owner of Ayu Cosmetics. Ayu is a classic, trendless beauty brand on a mission to give women the confidence to embrace who they are. Her number one beauty rule is ‘less is more’.

Kate McNally McCormack – Bollinger Best Dressed Lady winner

Few are more qualified than the 2019 winner Kate Nally McCormack. This 38-year-old mum of four girls hails from Co Longford and loves fashion, lifestyle and interiors. Kate knows what it takes to win and confirms that the winner’s prize is “a trip of a lifetime.”

Michelle O’Sullivan - Bollinger

Perhaps the most qualified of all the style council members is Michelle O’Sullivan. She represents the sponsors and has observed the evolution of style and occasion dressing at Punchestown since Bollinger’s sponsorship began in 2016. Bollinger say ‘life can be perfect’, and Michelle knows what encapsulates the iconic Bollinger brand, ethos and customer.

Epicentre

The Bollinger Garden in The Style Quarter will be the epicentre of all things fashion at the Punchestown Festival. From Tuesday to Friday scouts will be tasked with finding the most stylish attendees at the racecourse. Finalists will be selected each day and daily winners will be presented with Bollinger goodie bags complete with Bellamianta, Ayu, Declaré and Kotanical products. Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s winners will be fast-tracked to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 29th.

The Bollinger Best Dressed Lady will win a VIP trip for two to visit the exclusive Bollinger Estate in France. They and their guest will be given a private tour of the estate and guided tastings. This trip of a lifetime also includes Michelin star dining, chauffeur transfers, five-star accommodation and more.

Ladies who are keen to compete are advised to come along to the races early and make tracks to The Bollinger Garden in The Style Quarter, open from 1pm each day, and the venue will play host to the daily winners and the grand final on Friday.

For further information and to book tickets and dining packages visit www.punchestown.com