4 days ago
6
People love a dress code. “It makes things easier,” says stylist Lana Wilkinson about the tradition of wearing black and white to Derby Day, the first race meeting of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Here are the people who cracked the code.
Michelle Monaghan in Altuzarra and Magda Butrym
“This is my first horse race and my first Derby Day,” says The White Lotus actress Michelle Monaghan, who was a guest of Lexus in their sprawling pavilion in the Birdcage enclosure at Flemington Racecourse.
Michelle Monaghan in Magda Butrym millinery and an Altuzarra dress.Credit: Simon Schluter
Michelle Monaghan’s My Fair Lady moment in the Lexus pavilion.Credit: Simon Schluter
“One of the things I admire about this is that everyone dresses up and dials up the drama.”
While her White Lotus character Jaclyn preferred dramatic stand-out prints and logos, Monaghan kept it clean and cream for a modern take on My Fair Lady dressing.
“This is the first time I’ve gotten to wear a hat to an event and it’s by Magda Butrym, which goes perfectly with the dress from Altuzarra.”
“I wanted something that felt very feminine but not fussy.”
The actress was patient with fans, punctual with media and well-behaved with photographers. Let’s just say that it was different from supermodel Naomi Campbell’s visit with Lexus in 2013.
Hannah Dal Sasso in Atoir dress and scarf
“Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn,” says Melbourne model Hannah Dal Sasso, who bypassed My Fair Lady to draw inspiration from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “I wanted to steer clear of prints and be classic in white.”
Hannah Dal Sasso in Atoir outside the Crown marquee on Derby Day.Credit: Simon Schluter
Dal Russo’s rules for the day: “No red wine, no kissing and not falling over.”
Brahman Perera in Lee Mathews
Melbourne interior designer Brahman Perera gained plenty of attention with his elegant exterior on Derby Day.
Brahman Perera in Lee Mathews at the Landmark by Lexus pavilion in The Birdcage.Credit: Simon Schluter
For some racegoers, choosing a Lee Mathews dress over a suit is as shocking as Jean Shrimpton’s mini-dress 60 years ago, but Perera, who designed the interior of the Lexus pavilion, sees things differently.
“Whether it’s conservative or risque ... as long as you are comfortable with yourself and pay respect to the event, then it’s OK.”
Pip Edwards in Zimmermann and Nerida Winter
“I can’t do traditional racewear,” says Pip Edwards, taking a break from a dance marathon in the Crown marquee.
Pip Edwards in Zimmerman and hat by Nerida WinterCredit: Simon Schluter
The Ksubi creative director put her own spin on things by pairing a Zimmermann dress, purchased online at the last minute, worn backwards with a Nerida Winter hat.
“That was unusual for me,” Edwards says of buying the dress. Wearing a dress backwards, however, is old hat.
Dirk Fourie in vintage
By day Dirk Fourie works in the power tool industry. By Derby Day he is the gangster of the Birdcage in a vintage double-breasted suit, Stetson hat and two-toned brogues.
Dirk Fourie in pieces from his vintage menswear collection at Derby Day,Credit: Simon Schluter
“It’s spring so why not wear something that stands out,” says Fourie, who inspires men to step back in time with his social media as @dirkthecrook.
Looking around at a sea of black suits, white shirts and ties, Fourie wishes more men would time-travel through their wardrobes.
“I just wish more men cared about how they look and chose to express themselves through clothes.”
Most Viewed in Lifestyle
Loading
