Derby Day, arguably the chicest event of the annual Spring Racing Carnival has just come and gone and by gosh it lived up to its reputation.
I spent this year in the Lexus Design Pavilion (or marquee as they are commonly referred to) where a stable of world-class collaborators had been assembled to translate this year’s design theme. Taken from Milan Design Week 2017, ‘Yet Philosophy’ was the concept defined as ‘the harmonisation of contradictory elements.’
Emilie Delalande of Etic Studio designed the interior of dusty, dirty pinks, reminiscent of Sketch in London but with a very Australian sensibility to compliment the lighting and large windows.
I spent most of my time on level three because there was just so much to see and do – not to mention the highest view of the track within the Birdcage surrounds.
Guests could have their portrait taken by renowned Australian photographer Hugh Stewart (tick) or sit down with a MECCA Cosmetica perfumist to choose their most suited scent which will be sent straight to your front door the following week.
Lexus’ own ‘L Finesse’ gin bar served a Japanese influenced gin created by the brand, among the herb garden designed by Joost Bakker who conceptualised the entire marquee with the idea of ‘Future Cave’ in mind.
If by this point you’re thinking, ‘Whats with all the concepts weren’t you there for a horse race?!’ you wouldn’t be wrong. And horses I did see, but that’s not why you come to Lady Melbourne do you?
Behold, pictures a plenty of the frivolity and finesse that was Derby Day 2017:
What I’m wearing:
Dress: Needle and Thread
