Race That Stops A Nation

Melbourne Cup Day may be the most important & iconic day of the Spring Racing Carnival, but for many, it's more about the fashion than the fillies... 

I was lucky enough to be invited to a Brisbane function at Doomben Racecourse, rubbing shoulders with local celebrities & media personalities... while surreptitiously checking out their Cup Day ensembles, of course! 

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Dress: Anthea Crawford taffeta

Heels: Betts iridescent

Clutch: Adorne iridescent

Wrap: Millers brushed cotton

Hat: Vintage, Lucilla Illenden satin

Chunky Bangle: Vintage, American Brass

Thin Bangle: Du Monde brass

Rings: Vintage (belonged to my Nanna)

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Much like the first of my Crown Oaks Day ensembles, I decided to go with a sculptural taffeta dress from Anthea Crawford - with cascading waistline ruffle - in a stunning shade of lipstick red to play into the "Magic Carpet Ride" theme of the marquee, mixing it with a deep red satin vintage turban-style hat for something just that little bit unexpected in a sea of fascinators... 

Feeling that black patent may be too dark for the occasion, iridescent silver patent peeptoe platforms & a matching clutch in the shape of a large candy wrapper (... though has anyone noticed how much it looks like an iridescent version of the magic flying carpet from Disney's Aladdin?!) were chosen to enhance the sheen of the dress' fabric, match with the beads on the hat's brim & give a feeling of youthful opulence to the whole look. 

Jewellery was then added in the form of a pair of differently-sized brass bangles for that olde worlde Middle Eastern feel & vintage diamond & ruby rings that once belonged to my Nanna. 

A wide floral cotton wrap (the perfect weight for a warm November day in the Sunshine State) drew the divergent colours together, melding all of the elements to create a cohesive look that was pleasing to the eye. Scroll down for final outfit pics & to see how I have taken inspiration from Princess Mary regarding regal ways to wear a wrap:

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FINAL WORD:

The day in itself was a bittersweet occasion despite the fabulous fashion, with German stayer Protectionist's convincing win overshadowed by the collapse of front-runner Admire Rakti, who passed away in his stall minutes after the race & Araldo, who shattered his leg moments later when a small child got too close & spooked him by waving a flag. Tragic instances like these serve as a reminder that horse racing - a lauded avocation & part of this country's cultural identity - is a dangerous sport for both horses & jockeys & that the sacrifices often made in pursuit of this endeavour should not be underestimated or forgotten.

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