Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
ALL eyes off the race track are focusing on the stunning girlfriends of the F1 superstar drivers who have been turning heads in the paddocks, writes Mai Al Khatib.
Fashions pundits have also been analysing the outfits they’ve worn at the races in Australia, Malaysia and China and will be studying the latest looks at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend.
Bahrain-based fashion blogger Andrea Antal has been keeping watch on the glamorous side of the sport and offering advice to fashionistas across the globe. She reckons Nicole Scherzinger, former Pussycat Doll, American Idol judge and the ‘on-off-and-on-again’ girlfriend of McLaren ace Lewis Hamilton, is the clear winner in the clothes stakes so far this season.
She said: “Scherzinger has pulled all the stops with her care-free Pocahontas look. So ladies follow in suit as this year we’re seeing ‘boho-chic’ take over the track with bright colours and light fabrics. No more black body-hugging outfits! Keeping in mind that you’ll be outdoors,consider sleeveless options to stay cool.”
The 30-year-old fashion blogger of Glow Bahrain recently won a sneak preview at H&M’s Marni launch for creating the ‘most buzz’ in an online competition. Fashion forward Antal is also the membership manager at the Capital Club.
Antal is offering tips to race-goers this weekend and suggests stylist race fans should stay looking hot in the Sakhir sunshine by keeping jewellery to a minimum in order to avoid those pesky bulky tan lines.
She explained: “Save the dramatic effect for the evenings. During the daytime only a few accessories should do the trick but it is essential to avoid chunky necklaces and heavy earrings.”
Once again Scherzinger has been showing how it should be done with natural make-up and free-flowing hair. Antal added: “Keep hair and make-up as natural as possible too. This will enable you to enjoy the day without having to constantly fuss and re-touch. In any case, heavy make-up will clog pores and may cause streaking in the heat. Do sport a cute hat for style and shade like Scherzinger, as well as oversized glasses just like the ones worn by Jessica Michibata.”
Michibata is a top Japanese-Argentinian model and current girlfriend of Hamilton’s McLaren teammate, 2009 world champion Jenson Button.
“Those glasses will protect your eyes and look way better than three pounds of runny eye make-up in the heat...trust me!” said Antal. “Also, take the opportunity to get a wild ‘mani-pedi’ (manicure and pedicure) for a burst of colour.”
For women that love to sport large handbags, the race weekend is the opportune time for it, according to fashion followers.
Antal advises fans to make good use of the space by keeping the following important items on hand: an atomizer for a refreshing spritz, a portable fan for a self-made breeze, sun screen to avoid sun damage, lip-gloss and a shawl or scarf to protect shoulders from the sun and to keep warm in the evening.
She added: “Leave your heels at home! Don’t torture your tootsies in your four-inch pumps because you’ll die before you even reach the stadium from the car park. Just don’t do it! Think cute, practical and stylish with metallic gladiator sandals.
“Finally, stay hydrated. Drink as much water as you can before, during and after the event. And, voila, there you have it. This is all you need to enjoy a day at the races and keep your stylish engine running to make it to the evening for some awesome parties … and a chance to meet an eligible F1 bachelor.”
After spending the day comparing your look to that of the F1 hotties,Antal urges fans not to forget to look cool for the array of race weekend F1 parties by choosing a suitable ‘glamazon’ outfit.
She suggests showcasing that well-earned sun-kissed glow by whipping out the bling and the heels.
The celebrity girls put on a show at Melbourne’s Club 23 in Australia, for example. Ricki-Lee Coulter donned a flirty, feathered Bowie skirt, mesh-spliced Wolford bodysuit and Gucci pumps. Jesinta Campbel went for black tie glamour in a floor-length gown. Model and Australian F1 ambassador, Kate Peck shined in a metallic eye-catching number.
Antal suggested: “Complete your gorgeous red carpet look with dramatic eyes, chandelier earrings, and your tallest stilettos for a dramatic effect. Grab a simple clutch that complements but doesn’t take away from your look.”
