Eleonore Bengtsson
Age 32
Nationality Swedish
Resident Dubai
Occupation lawyer
Body type hourglass
Brief find an elegant designer gown suitable for a VIP/royal box and formal evening corporate hospitality
Budget unlimited
Store private consultation at the personal shopping department in Bloomingdale's, The Dubai Mall
The winning oufit
Monique Lhuillier spring/summer 2013 couture gown in burnt orange with pearl and leather hand embroidered tulle bodice. Corseted to the waist with Grecian silk chiffon draped skirt and pleated tail, Dh21,550
Peep-toe, snake leather limited edition Salto Alto Fechado pumps in gold, Dh3,000
Snake-skin Rodo clutch in smoke green and gold, Dh1,900
Drop earrings in 18-carat gold with semi-precious stones by Alexis Bittar, Dh825
Swarovski and precious stone cuff by Alexis Bittar, Dh1,000
Semi-precious stoned cocktail ring by Alexis Bittar, Dh825
Tiffany solitaire engagement ring, model's own
Total Dh29,100
Eleonore's make-up
Brand: Laura Mercier, Bloomingdale's
Tinted moisturiser, nude, Dh178
Mineral powder, tender rose, Dh148
Loose setting powder, universal, Dh144
Free-spirit eye palette, Dh203
Crème eyeliner, espresso, Dh93
Faux lash mascara, Dh90
Lip glacé bare pink, Dh102
Total: Dh958
The verdict
"I loved the finished outfit and thought the accessories were beautiful finishing touches. I wasn't convinced orange was my colour initially or that the dress would suit me when I saw it on the hanger. However, it fitted like a glove and enhanced my curves. I would revisit Lhuillier as a designer in the future. My default choice might have been the red dress but, with the stylist's gentle encouragement, I tried something different and it looked great. I hadn't done personal shopping before and would definitely try it again because I've struggled to find the right dress for special occasions in the past. However, it goes without saying that if you're going to spend this amount on a gown, it's important that it be adaptable and wearable to more than one event."
Outfits for Eleonore that were pipped at the post
1st runner-up: Ruby red, floor-length evening gown by Reem Acra, Dh27,900
2nd runner-up: Burgundy lace-detailed cocktail dress with oyster lining by Pucci, Dh8,450
To book an appointment with Bloomingdale's At Your Service personal shopping department, call 04 350 5333 or email atyourservice@altayer.com. There is no minimum spend and consultations are free of charge. Find Bloomingdale's at www.thedubaimall.com and www.altayer.com
Elizabeth Denholm
Age 37
Nationality Australian
Resident Dubai
Occupation marketing and account manager
Body type athletic, petite
Brief source an affordable dress that can comfortably be worn all day with a statement head-piece that can be reused at the Melbourne Cup, weddings, etc.
Budget Dh4,000
Stores Massimo Dutti and the International Millinery Exhibition at Burjuman Shopping Centre, Dubai
The winning oufit
Bespoke Christiane Edmondson hat in charcoal and cream, Dh2,500
Silver, full-length dress by Massimo Dutti, Dh649
Cream leather and chain belt, -Massimo Dutti, Dh175
Platformed peep-toe nude patent pumps, Massimo Dutti, Dh595
Diamante drop earrings and Swarovski jet cuffs, model's own.
Total
Dh3,919
Liz's make-up
Brand: Dior, Saks Fifth Avenue
Nude Foundation 020, Dh229
Forever Compact 022, Dh265
Twin Set eyeshadow, Dh165
Iconic Overcurl mascara, Dh169
Lip maximiser, Dh162
Total: Free. Consultation and professional application courtesy of Dior, Saks Fifth Avenue, Burjuman Centre
Outfits for Liz that were pipped at the post
1st runner-up: Sinamay hand-made canary yellow hat by Jennifer Bell, Dh2,100; navy, white and yellow striped silk-cotton mix dress, Dh495; blue leather woven belt, Dh175; navy leather peep-toe shoes, Dh495; sapphire crystal chandelier earrings, model's own
2nd runner-up: Coral jacketn Dh495; navy cap-sleeved, lace cocktail dressn Dh495; navy leather peep-toe shoes, Dh495; Liz Georgia peach cap with deconstructed brimn Dh1,500
Apparel from Massimo Dutti
The verdict
"I loved the finished outfit and having styles suggested by the store stylists took the stress out of shopping. I really liked the colour of the dress and could definitely wear it many ways, not just for the races, maybe even casually with flats to a barbecue, for example. The prices were reasonable given the adaptability of the pieces I ended up with. There was a hat for everyone at the milliner's exhibition. I don't think I would have chosen a hat this big had the milliner not suggested it, but the style complemented the dress perfectly and was very comfortable to wear."
Massimo Dutti, Burjuman Centre, Bur Dubai, call 04 351 3352, www.burjuman.com/shop/massimo-dutti/. The International Millinery Exhibition runs until Saturday
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