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What I Wore: 2017 Melbourne Cup

8th November, 2017

I tried on a few different outfits for Melbourne Cup this year and eventually went with this dress from Net-a-Porter by Alessandra Rich. I am really loving that brand at the moment and think the latest collection has some really strong fashion forward pieces. I usually like to go bold and bright when it comes to Cup Day and in this year I wanted to play with patterns given last year’s look was all about colour blocking and embellishment. I really loved the vibrant print of pink and yellow flowers on black whilst the bell sleeves and bow detail down the front help elevate it into a true statement piece. As far as my headpiece goes, essentially I decided that I had to wear this Gucci turban no matter what! Given its vibrant shade all other accoutrements had to revolve around it and I ended up opting for all pink accessories to tie the look together. Not only are turbans really in this season (I’ve always seemed to have a bit of a soft spot for them given my previous Cup Day looks) but the rose detail made it into a really striking piece. Melbourne Cup is usually always out there when it comes to what everyone wears, and this year I feel I’ve pushed my fashion boundaries with the shape of my dress and standout accessories… until next year!

Credits: Dress, Alessandra Rich; Heels, Scanlan & Theodore; Bag, Bvlgari; Turban, Gucci

Photography: Danielle Castano

This post has been produced in collaboration with Net-a-Porter

Fashion, What I Wore

Looking back over my Melbourne Cup outfits…

6th November, 2017

It’s always quite a hectic time in the lead up to Melbourne Cup as I’m usually busy trying to get my outfit locked in for the event. It’s always the most fun day of the racing calendar for me as the dress code is a little more daring and I can afford to take a few more fashion risks with everything from colour to headpieces. It’s always the ideal time to make a statement with my dress and accessories.

I’ve almost lost count of how many Cup Day ensembles I’ve pulled together over the years but every year I hope I’m doing something different from the last. Having spent the last few weeks trying to finalise what I’m wearing, it had me taking a little trip down memory lane about some of the looks I’ve worn over the last few years…

2016

Dress, Gucci; Shoes, Gucci; Headpiece, Hatmaker

I loved this whole collection and fell in love with this dress when I saw it. It’s quite a loud dress with the ruffles and pearls and the colour so I knew that the only place I could probably get away with wearing it was to Melbourne Cup. I carried the rest of the pearl detail through with my shoes and went with a jewelled headband which was in keeping with the vibrant nature of the rest of my outfit. Whilst I haven’t really worn the dress since, the shoes have been a constant staple in my wardrobe since I got them. It’s great when I’m able to extend the wear of my Cup Day outfit beyond just that one day.

2015

Dress, Altuzarra; Shoes, Camilla & Marc; Headpiece, Sarah and Sebastian x Hatmaker

This is by far one of my favourite dresses. The whole collection by Altuzzara was perfection that year. I loved the velvet and metallic thread worked through the dress and the lace around the neck which was very Victorian.

Given the classic neckline of the dress I wanted to do something more modern and different with my headpiece that year and loved the idea of a turban. That piece was by Sarah and Sebastian and Hatmaker who teamed up to created the headpiece for me and made it entirely from bronze.

I love collaborations such as the one I was able to do that year as I’m always guaranteed a unique piece. I remember there were lots of fittings involved with this particular turban where we spoke about the dress and the look I had in mind.

2014

Dress, Dion Lee; Shoes, Tabitha Simmons; Headpiece, Nerida Winter

The previous year I had worn a bright clashing print so I went a bit more subdued with the colour I chose this year. However I think on Cup Day you have to wear a standout dress and in this instance I think it was the side details that really made the statement as opposed to the colour. It was a classic navy hue but peek-a-boo cutouts really lifted the dress and turned it into something Melbourne Cup-worthy. With my shoes that year I opted for a leopard print caged style heel as I wanted something a little bit fun and what better way to do it than with a little animal print.

2013

Dress, Peter Pilotto; Shoes, Alexander Wang; Headpiece, Hardy Brothers x Nerida Winter

I remember this dress was a fave as soon as I spotted it on the runway. I love anything with a standout print and the cut-out detail helped give it a point of difference. That year I teamed up with Hardy Brothers jewellers and enlisted the help of Nerida Winter to design a headpiece that was made from their jewellery. It was probably one of the most luxe headpieces I’d ever worn as it was made of gold and diamonds; it was originally a necklace but we piled it up and made it into a headband.

2012

Dress, Gucci, Shoes, Celine, Headpiece, Nerida Winter

As you can see anything Gucci is a fave of mine on Cup Day. I remember I really loved that lilac dress. It had beautiful detail across the top which really cemented it as a dress I had to wear. I always like to wear a bit of colour on Melbourne Cup Day and the dress was really pretty and girly. I didn’t want to go too over the top with the headpiece because of the detailing around my neck so I went for a veil and bow and really simple heels.

Looking back over these outfits I’ve tried a few different trends and designers over the years and this year I think I’ve done something that pushes my sartorial boundaries yet again. So, what am I wearing this year? Stay tuned tomorrow for the big reveal!

Fashion, Lifestyle, Social

My 2016 Melbourne Cup Diary

3rd November, 2016

Another year, another Melbourne Cup done!

This year, my day started early at our apartment in Melbourne. That is where we stay with my family so it was great to be able to spend Cup Day with them. With three kids and a baby present it was certainly busy but it was nice that my girls and my niece and nephew were all with us. I spent the morning getting ready with Mum and my sister-in-law Hoda and as always it was fun for us to all get our hair and makeup done together. My outfit was already sorted (it’s always something I like to lock in well in advance) so it was just a matter of putting the final finishing touches to it and I was ready to walk out the door.

We were lucky enough to be picked up by a Lexus car to take us to the Birdcage and when we got there headed straight for the Lexus Design Pavilion, which as per usual was on another level. It was definitely the place to be in the Birdcage and stood out as the most stylish and sophisticated marquee. The interiors were amazing and the architecture of the entire building was striking. Guests in the Pavilion included Jessica Gomes, Emma Freedman and Margaret Zhang so it was a great opportunity to catch up with a lot of people. We had an amazing lunch experience in there too which involved a three course tasting plate hosted by Ben Shewry, the head chef and owner of Attica restaurant in Melbourne. Needless to say, the food was delicious.

I was also on Lexus ambassador duties on the day so I had to juggle multiple media interviews including TV and radio spots which is always fun! However the most enjoyable part of the day is definitely being able to watch the race with my family, Mum especially. She had a runner in the race called Excess Knowledge so we watched the it with her in the owners’ stand. It’s always really nice being able to take in the race with her as I know all the hard work that goes into making it to the Melbourne Cup.

Cup Day is always a crazy busy day and it often passes by in a whirlwind of admiring all the beautiful outfits and headwear, toasting the day with champagne and race day duties for me but it’s something I look forward to every year. Counting down to 2017!

Getting dolled up with the help of my go-to makeup artist Blanka Dudas

Test driving my Gucci heels

Selfie for Instagram

Sophia hanging out in the apartment

Outfit details close up

All smiles with Mum and Hoda

Heading to the Birdcage with a little help from Lexus

Walking in with Luke

Catching up with Nadia Fairfax

Doing a radio interview

… and more interviews!

The media at the Lexus Design Pavilion

A peek at the interiors inside the Lexus Design Pavilion

So many beautiful finishes

Gorgeous blooms

Impressive set of wheels on display!

The outdoor area

We were truly spoilt in the food and drinks department

Guests at the bar

Cheers!

Jessica Gomes and Louise van de Vorst

Emma Freedman

Margaret Zhang

Enjoying the day with Luke

Photography: Adam Nalapraya and Karon Photography

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: 2016 Melbourne Cup

1st November, 2016

When it comes to attire for the Melbourne Cup it’s all about going bold. And this year, I decided to embrace colour and opted for this beautiful pink and forest green dress by Gucci. The sweet ruffles on the sleeves give the dress an air of playfulness which really works for today and whilst the unexpected colour combination is striking it’s the pearl detailing on the back and front that really caught my eye – it’s so unbelievable in person that it definitely cemented the dress as THE dress for Cup Day.

Pink and green can be a little tricky when it comes to shoe options however it was Gucci to the rescue again. The gold heels dotted with pearls that I spotted in their latest collection perfectly offset the hues in my dress. With such a bold look, I wanted to strike the right balance between making a statement with my headwear whilst not overpowering the dress and shoes. The flower crown by Hatmaker was just on the right side of understated to really complement my overall look. The gems throughout the crown also subtly picked up some of the colours in my dress and really helped highlight the pink and green.

I hope you’re having a great Melbourne Cup day!

Shop more of my favourite racing looks

Credits: Dress, Gucci; Crown, Hatmaker; Heels, Gucci (sandal version)

Photography: Danielle Castano and Adam Nalapraya

Fashion

4 ways to accessorise your spring racing look

25th October, 2016

When it comes to your spring racing look your accessories should definitely be a key consideration – don’t relegate it to a last minute choice as you dash out the door! Each of the key days in the racing calendar will allow you to explore some great accessories options and as bags are always one of the first things I think about, I’ve teamed up with The Daily Edited to showcase the right bag and accessories to help you pull together a wining race day look.

The event: Derby Day

The monochrome dress code of Derby Day is generally really easy to follow when it comes to accessories because virtually every woman has a black clutch in her wardrobe. It’s like the LBD of the accessories world. If you want to opt for something different though a nice alternative is a cream bag.

As everyone will be wearing black and white it can become easy to get lost in the crowd so to stand out, attention to detail and beautiful craftsmanship with your accessories is important. One of the reasons I love the bags from The Daily Edited is because little touches like personalisation and being able to monogram your bag allows you to differentiate your accessories from the rest.

The thing with accessories is to make sure you’re comfortable and that you won’t constantly be fussing with them throughout the day. If you’re fine to put your clutch under your arm then great but otherwise opt for a shoulder strap so you can juggle champagne and a pen for writing down tips.

The event: Melbourne Cup

For Melbourne Cup Day you can afford to go a little more bold with your look. You can inject a little bit of colour in your outfit but I think that if you’re going to opt for a striking headpiece try and tone it down a bit with the rest of your accessories because you have to have one standout item. I’ve always liked rich burgundy or a classic navy for a bag that will look classic but still make a statement. Also don’t forget about texture. For example something like a faux ostrich fabrication makes for a really nice and interesting alternative if you want to be a little more daring.

The event: Oaks Day

Traditionally known as ladies’ day, this particular event is all about super feminine dressing. Think floral prints and really soft, pretty hues. With your accessories, go for a soft approach. I think gorgeous pastels are a great option when it comes to choosing a shade of handbag to bring with you on the day. It’s classic with just a touch of girliness so it’s the perfect finishing touch to your outfit on the day.

The event: Stakes Day

Stakes Day is family day so don’t be afraid to have a bit of fun with colour. Also instead of a clutch why not try something different and opt for a shoulder bag instead? It makes for an effortless look and when you go for a bag in an interesting shade such as grey, it’s one way to ensure that you set yourself apart from other racegoers. As for the rest of your look don’t be afraid to be quite playful in your other accessories and try a unique headpiece or bold jewellery.

For more Spring Racing looks check out my other blog post

Fashion

Get race day ready with Nerida Winter

6th October, 2016

Over the years I’ve worn so many great pieces from milliner extraordinaire Nerida Winter to the races. You can always rely on one of her pieces to make a statement trackside. As spring racing season ramps up and Melbourne Cup is just around the corner I asked Nerida for some insider tips on top racewear trends to look out for plus how to pull together a perfect outfit.

How did you establish such a successful name as a milliner?

A lot of continuous hard work and dedication – I think family upbringing has a lot to do with it too – I grew up with a creative father who taught me to think outside the square and that a spade was not necessarily a spade, it could be anything I wanted it to be. My mum and grandmother were always teaching me some form of arts and crafts, so it was a very colourful house!

What is the most important style advice you have ever received?

Follow your own look and not others .

Who inspires you?

Vivienne Westwood has inspired me for decades – I adore her fearlessness and her punk-like qualities.

What trends will we see for the racing season this year?

There is something for everyone this season. I love the idea of mixing in some 70s glam and the 80s’ strong structural dresses could be a lot of fun to wear [to the races]. The modern take on tailoring is understated and elegant and I think the Victorian style dresses are incredible and I can’t wait to see how girls interpret those for the track.

What colours, textures and styles will we see for headwear this year?

My favourites are the pleats, lace, ruffles, florals – femme heaven! I’m also loving all the pinks, reds and there is still a bit of sparkle about. Monochrome looks are Derby Day essentials – from sculptural wide brimmed shapes to smaller florals.

What are your tips for putting together the perfect racing outfit?

Investing in good craftsmanship and quality of design will allow you to wear the pieces more than once. The power of tailoring is often underestimated.

What dressing mistakes should women avoid?

Don’t let your headwear be an afterthought – it’s the piece that makes the day so special.

When dressing for the races, be careful not to overdo it – I like to focus on one piece, whether that is the hat, the dress, shoe or bag and build the outfit around that. Too many times you see the accessories competing with the outfit and it can look really forced and costume like.

It’s a long day on your feet, so wearing your shoes in a little first is wise (I learnt the hard way).

Do you have an all time favourite head piece?

Absolutely – I have had a lifetime love of all things punk rock, so my feathered mohawks have been a staple in my wardrobe.

Fashion

My Melbourne Cup Carnival Diary

5th November, 2015

I can’t believe Melbourne Cup is over for another year! I’ve been attending Derby Day and Melbourne Cup since I was a little girl (though I wasn’t allowed to go to Cup day until I finished school as it always fell on a school day) and it’s an annual family trip. These days with Sophia and my niece and nephew it’s a much bigger family affair. We now stay at mum and dad’s place so we can all be together and it’s always one of my favourite times of the year. That said, it’s a whirlwind few days and we’re always really busy in the lead up to it. This year I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at what I get up to over the few days at that is the Melbourne Cup carnival right from beginning to end…

I always have my hat and outfit sorted before I fly to Melbourne but sometimes I don’t get to try the full outfit on until the night before or even the day of the race as I often don’t pick up my hat until the morning we leave. This is why I always bring a few bag and shoe options with me just in case. I pack light when I head to the races but I always have my media accreditation, some lip gloss, concealer and my phone.

This was right before Derby Day and I was getting my hair and makeup done with Mum. My makeup artist Blanka Dudas also did my makeup for my wedding so it’s always really lovely to see her.

Squeezing in some family quality time and hanging out with the kids. My sister-in-law Hoda was also in Melbourne with my niece Rosie and my nephew Will and Sophia always has the time of her life being with her cousins.

When I arrived at the track it was straight into media interviews. I did an interview with a local radio station for Lexus and was interviewed by Melissa Hoyer from news.com.au.

At the gorgeous Lexus Design Pavilion with fellow ambassadors Jessica Gomes and Margaret Zhang and outside with Dion Lee. Stay tuned for more shots of the interior – it was amazing.

This was Melbourne Cup day. Blanka was doing my makeup again and this time around we had to make sure my bronze turban was going to stay in place the whole day. Thankfully it did!

Luke and I arrived at the track and were greeted by photographers as we made our way through the crowd. It’s always a bit crazy during Melbourne Cup.

At the Lexus Design Pavilion doing an interview with Channel 7. It’s like my home away from home during Melbourne Cup Carnival.

I was honoured to be invited by Myer to judge Fashions on the Field this year. I was on a panel with a few big names in fashion media including Harper’s Bazaar’s Fashion Director Thelma McQuillan, publisher Jackie Frank and the Daily Telegraph’s Elle Halliwell. It’s always really fun and the designs are always amazing.

And who else would I want to watch the race with than my mum? Here we are taking selfies before the race. Mum looked gorgeous as always. And with that, Melbourne Cup Carnival is over for another year. Bring on 2016!

PHOTOGRAPY: Adam Nalapraya

Fashion, What I Wore

What I Wore: Melbourne Cup

4th November, 2015

Melbourne Cup is a day when it’s fine to push the fashion boundaries and try something a little out of the ordinary. I was searching for a dress to wear on the day and once I spotted this beautiful Altuzurra dress on Net-a-Porter I knew immediately that I had to wear it. I loved the beautiful textures, the high lace neckline and panelling and the touches of metallic throughout the fabric. It was slightly Victorian but with a modern silhouette.

My metal turban was a piece that was so elegantly simple but in fact was a few weeks in the making. The jewelers Sarah and Sebastian collaborated with milliner Jonathan Howard and created the beautiful bronze headpiece I wore yesterday. The design went back and forth for awhile before we eventually settled on the final design. It’s definitely different to anything I’ve ever worn to the races and I loved that it was so unique.

How did was your Melbourne Cup?

DRESS: Altuzurra

BAG: Bulgari

HEADPIECE: a custom bronze turban designed and handmade in collaboration with Sarah and Sebastian and Hatmaker.

Photography: Adam Nalapraya

Fashion, What I Wore

Spring Carnival – Melbourne Cup Day

8th October, 2015

If you’re looking for a spring racing event where you have licence to push the boundaries and go bright and bold look no further than Melbourne Cup Day. Go for something colourful and striking, and don’t be afraid to go for an interesting print such as the geometric print on this Camilla and Marc dress. Also have fun with your headwear – I’m definitely loving my ‘Kate’ headband as a way to give my outfit a personal touch. After all what better time to make a statement than Cup Day?

DRESS: Camilla and Marc Calculated Risk dress

HEADPIECE: Nerida Winter custom KATE headpiece

HEELS: Sophia Webster

BRACELET: Celine bracelet

Raceday ready: CAMILLA AND MARC are giving away 1 x $1500 gift certificate to put towards your own look for the Spring Racing Carnival. All you have to do is choose your favourite from my three CAMILLA AND MARC Spring Racing looks and explain why in 25 words or less. Click HERE to enter. Good luck!

PHOTPGRAPHY: Cara O’Dowd

STYLING: Hayley Bonham

HAIR & MAKEUP: Ania Milczarczyk

LOCATION: Inglis Newmarket Stables.

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