spring racing carnival Archives

What I Wore: 2021 Melbourne Cup

3rd November, 2021

Melbourne Cup looked a little different this year. Instead of being at Flemington, I spent the day with friends enjoying a beautiful lunch at Silks at Crown Sydney. As much as I missed being trackside, I also loved being at a more intimate event. However I still (as I do every year) enjoyed the opportunity to get all dressed up. After the ultra feminine look I wore last year, I changed gear this year and I opted for a sleek, form fitting dress by Versace. With its deep neckline and subtle cut-out detail, it made a bold statement and was a great foundation for the rest of my look.

When working with a black outfit I think it helps to add splashes of colour to avoid it look too flat. Jewel tones were the ideal hues to add a little punchiness to my outfit and I found the perfect pieces to fit the brief. I opted for a deep emerald green Bottega Veneta bag with chain strap along with a oversized pink straw bow by Nerida Winter with a subtle veil. Both hues worked to complement each other and when set against a black dress, it really allowed the colours to pop. I wanted to create a streamlined silhouette so instead of a statement shoe I opted for a classic pair of black pumps to tie into the colour of the dress and the effect was one that elongated my frame. It’s one of my favourite styling tricks!

What Cup day look would be complete without a little sparkle? I was lucky enough to work with French jewellery brand Chaumet again this year and was so spoilt to be able to wear a selection of beautiful pieces. I opted for matching pieces, which entailed a pair of earrings, stacked rings and an elegant bangle. Timeless and sophisticated, they were the perfect accoutrements to finish off this year’s look for the race that stops a nation.

Credits: Dress, Versace; Bag, Bottega Veneta; Shoes, Christian Louboutin; Headpiece, Nerida Winter; Jewellery, Chaumet

Photography: Ashleigh Larden

Fashion, What I Wore

30 spring racing headwear options for a winning look

19th October, 2018

Putting together a spring racing look takes loads of time and effort but often headwear can be a last minute consideration. Don’t make this mistake as the right headpiece can actually end up making a look. Case in point: I fell in love with a pink Gucci turban and ended up working last year’s entire Melbourne Cup look around it such was my determination to wear it.

Over the years I’ve tried everything from hats to headbands and turbans and can attest that they were the finishing touch that really elevated my outfit. I find choosing my headwear a fun experience as the sky is the limit when it comes to shapes, textures and styles. I often like to go big and bold and am drawn to pieces that make a statement.

If you’re heading to the races and are on the hunt for the ideal headpiece, then look no further as I’ve rounded up 30 gorgeous options to suit every style.

Option 1: Hats

A beautiful hat is always a classic option but remember straw hats are for spring racing, felt for autumn racing. If you want something a little different, an emerging trend is leather hats which are modern and a bit daring and are a departure from your more traditional options.

I went for a crisp white hat for Derby Day in 2015

Option 2: Headbands

I’ve got a soft spot for headbands as race day headwear as they’re feminine, fun and so easy to wear. I’ve opted for everything from a big bow to jewelled embellishments and even my name over the years and my love affair with this style still endures. The great thing about headbands is that you can extend their wear long after spring racing is over which is a definite plus.

A throwback to last year’s spring racing season. I loved this Gucci headband and its oversized bow dotted with pearls.

Option 3: Go bold

From fascinators to embellished hair clips and my personal fave – the turban I am all for embracing headpieces that are unique with an added element of personality. I’ve worn everything from a turban fashioned out of bronze mesh to a gold wreath in the past and love thinking outside the box when it comes to headwear. This year, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries…

This is the Gucci turban that I centred my entire 2017 Melbourne Cup look around!

What’s your favourite style of racing headwear?

Fashion, Lifestyle

Kicking off Spring Racing Carnival

17th October, 2018

Last night I hosted a special dinner at the gorgeous Nobu restaurant at the Crown Resort in Melbourne to celebrate the launch of the Spring Racing Carnival. This is one of my favourite times of the year so I was thrilled to be able to kick it off in such a fun way.

I flew down to Melbourne early in the day and spent the rest of the afternoon prepping and getting ready at my hotel (not a hard ask considering the impressive rooms at the Crown Melbourne). My good friend Nadia Fairfax was also attending the dinner and staying at the hotel so we had a great time getting ready together for the event. My outfit for the evening was classic meets daring, comprising of a crisp white shirt, worked back with a Maticevski skirt that can only be described as a wearable piece of art and Off White heels.

Nobu is one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne so it was exciting to be hosting a dinner there. It was a small event — I’d invited just 30 people, a mixture of friends, family and a few media people. This was great as it gave me the opportunity to catch up with everyone before the craziness of spring racing commences.

As you would expect the food we had was incredible. We were served a Japanese inspired menu of three courses and dessert featuring some truly delicious sushi and sashimi paired with amazing wine. I was in heaven and judging from my guests’ reactions, they were too.

Having my friends and family there, including mum and dad, made the night even better. We had a thoroughly great evening and it has made me more excited to throw myself into spring racing season.

Check out a few snaps of the evening below.