The Melbourne Cup is always held on the first Tuesday of November. It’s a public holiday in Victoria and I’m not sure why the powers that be didn’t plan to run it on Monday thus creating a long weekend, but perhaps they reckoned everyone would take it off anyway so didn’t fuss too much about the scheduling.
Despite Monday’s teasing, it’s a fab day of racing. This year the actual cup was won for the first time by the Gai Waterhouse trained five year-old stallion Fiorente. There are, of course, a general swathe of people who attend the races and never see a horse, not giving a continental fig about the equine element of the day. Races? What races?!
I like to strike a balance between the two, making a huge effort with my appearance (this year I made my dress) and spending time studying the form guide, having a punt and visiting the mounting yard.
My beautiful millinery for cup day was supplied by Oscar & Wilde who are a Melbourne boutique with an in-house milliner. We worked together on this piece, me wanting something in soft blues that channeled something Kate Middleton might wear, only a little more flamboyant. Other than that I left it up to Jennifer
I think it’s now one of the most special hats I own, and I would highly recommend working with a milliner if you want something completely one off that no one else is going to wear, but more importantly – one that you’ll love!
What I’m wearing:
Dress: A Lady Melbourne creation, I finished it the morning of cup day!
Hat: Oscar & Wild
Bag: Siricco
Manicure: Miss Fox
Heels: RMK
Bracelets: picked up on various travels
