There was only one date in my calendar for the 2015 spring racing carnival – Oaks Day in the Emirates Marquee. At seven months pregnant, the Emirates set-up is a dream venue. It’s a marquee with its own plumbed-in toilets, sunny balcony and cosy lounges, so – “Yes please!” said I.
The team responsible for putting it all together did a stellar job interpreting the ‘England’ theme. Kat & Co managed to create a guest experience that was luxurious and traditional, with a touch of English wit. The carpet was created from a hand-painted design of roses and bees, Pims cocktails were served at their own station and the menu was once again created by head chef Tony Cimmino.
A now-famous epic storm cell passed right over the track, consigning guests to huddling inside for an hour or so, but it wasn’t long before the sun reappeared (this is Melbourne after all) and the terrace was again the perfect place to view the rest of the day’s races.
I wasn’t as impressed with the standard of fashion this year, but I did spy a string of black pearls the size of tom-bowler marbles, current season Balmain heels and plenty of frocks by the label having a huge moment in the 2015 Birdcage – Self Portrait. I noted that at least three finalists in the Myer Fashions On The Field were wearing Self Portrait, which has inspired countless knock-offs (there were also plenty of those trackside). The trickle-down effect of popular designers, like Self Portrait, was also evident in Melbourne based label Thurly, who I’m reliably told had all but sold-out prior to the carnival’s main race days, with last minute custom pieces just making it onto the backs of fashionistas flocking to the Birdcage.
What did I wear? ASOS of course, a step – or five! – down the couture ladder, but truly one of the best places to find fashionable maternity-wear options. With only one race day this year to attend, I didn’t invest as much time, money or energy in my wardrobe, rather looking for comfort and quirk.
I popped in to The Eternal Headonist and discovered this headpiece by Rebecca Share millinery, the flowers created using leather of all materials. Polished off with vintage jewellery and accessories – my gold snakeskin clutch is a true treasure that belonged to my Great Aunt Joan who was a ballroom dancer.
I had a crack at the quaddie which looked a winner until the last leg, good job I had that terrace and comfy lounge chairs to console me 😉
