As Mumbai braces itself for its big race weekend, the guide lists performances to groove to, the hotly-tipped favourite on the turf, equine trivia and a chat with the woman who will make your head turn other heads
Mumbai Guide, Be Safe, jockey Suraj Narredu, 31st Signature Indian Derby 2015, Indian 2000 Guineas, Delna Poonawalla, Mahalaxmi Race Course
The chic hatter
Milliner and fashion designer, Delna Poonawalla, talks about turning heads at the race with her stylish creations
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Q. How did you get into hat designing?
A. I loved watching my mum and grand mum get ready for the races and waited for the moment when I would get to wear a fancy hat. I believe this is when my interest in fashion and hats came into being. Horses are magnificent creatures and they deserve nothing less than well turned out spectators who can appreciate their beauty and grace. The Poonawalla brothers, Zavaray and Cyrus introduced a horse race for the 3-year-olds, but with a new spin to it which included having fashion at the forefront, which my mother participated in enthusiastically to make it one of the most sought after fashion events of the country. Mingling fashion and horses could not have been a more natural and perfect union. I mention this because growing up watching this unfold made me want to bring fashion, hats and all this style that went along, right to the forefront and this was truly my inspiration behind it all.
(From left) Delna Poonawalla with actresses Sapna Pabbi and Amy Jackson sporting her creations at The Mid-Day Trophy held on January 18, 2015. Pic/Shadab Khan
Q. What was the most challenging hat that you had to design?
A. Lisa Haydon has worn a huge but delicate dragon fly fascinator from our collection, while Evelyn Sharma wore quite an over-the-top royal purple colour-blocked hat to the races. Both fascinators were unusual but the key was that both these women had the hat stature and personality to carry it off.
Q. What’s the key to find the perfect hat?
A. It should suit the shape of your face.
B. It should suit your outfit.
C. While selecting a big hat, it is very important to keep your height in mind. The rim of the hat should be no wider than your shoulders. Fascinators have gained more popularity of late and are easier to wear in our climate. They are also less intimidating than a full hat.
D. It must suit your personality.
Q. Are there many hat wearers in Mumbai or does the demand rise during the races?
A. There are not many who wear hats in India besides my family, and some socialites and celebrities, of course, who feel comfortable in it. However, in the last few years, I have seen many women from all walks of society, and friends being more open to wearing fascinators. Some even test the waters with bolder hats. I am impressed with the growing number of male clients, who are open to sporting a smart hat. The younger lot are far more experimental. You see many wearing headpieces not only at the races or the Derby, but also on other occasions such as weddings and parties.
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