Evening blues and a touch of Brownlow magic: The Everest’s best looks

9 hours ago 3

A clothing class divide greater than the gap between silk and polyester was on show at The Everest at Royal Randwick Racecourse, becoming more noticeable as the day progressed and inhibitions loosened along with spaghetti straps.

In the members’ areas there were flashes of elegance, structure and tailoring that vigorously nodded to formal racewear traditions. On the lawns and in the queues for drinks and monogrammed green caps from the TAB, anything goes.

Real Housewives of Sydney star Krissy Marsh, in a white Lillian Khallouf mini dress drawing inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana, was concerned for racegoers in flimsier creations.

Krissy Marsh in a Lillian Khallouf mini-dress and Embellish Atelier hat at The Everest.

“You’ve got to be careful not to have any boobs coming out or anything too much,” Marsh said before the first pop of a champagne cork. “Towards the end of the day, after a few champagnes, anything can pop out.”

Here are the looks that kept their wearers and traditions contained.

Kate Waterhouse: Blue ribbon finish

Kate Waterhouse in Mariam Seddiq at Royal Randwick Racecourse for The Everest.

The Everest dress code of “a touch of blue” wasn’t enough for racing royalty Kate Waterhouse, who wrapped herself in the colour.

“I know there’s always ‘a touch of blue’, but I was like, ‘I’m going to do the theme really big this year’,” said Waterhouse, who worked with Sydney designer Mariam Seddiq on the elegant dress.

With its high neck, gathered skirt and draping fabric across the shoulders, there were references to the Paris runway, traditional Indian designs and bedroom curtains.

“Well you also have to have fun,” said Waterhouse.

Annalise Dalins: Brownlow blue

Annalise Dalins in Oglia-Loro couture and a hat from Embellish Atelier.

Model and content creator Annalise Dalins came close to recycling her fairytale strapless Brownlow Medal red carpet look from Melbourne dressmaker Oglia-Loro couture.

“Blue is my favourite colour,” said Dalins, fiancée of AFL player Josh Daicos. Instead, she tapped the designer for a new dress in a similar shade, paying tribute to the day’s colour code.

This time, the fairytale skirt was traded for another corset-style dress, with a fitted skirt and draped kangaroo pouch front.

Dalin’s idea of comfort is a far cry from some of the looser polyester dresses spotted in the betting ring.

Count Nikolai of Monpezat

The Everest’s special guest, Danish Count Nikolai of Monpezat, traded European tailoring for Australian savoir faire in a P Johnson suit.

For the dapper part-time model, who walked the runway for Dior, there are similarities.

“The drape reminds me of an Italian suit,” Nikolai said. “I like dressing up. I like showing people that you take yourself seriously.”

Nikolai is not sure if he’s serious enough to wear a top hat at Royal Ascot.

“That could look crazy, but I’d love to go.”

Regitse Thoustrup

Registe Thoustrup at The Everest in Kookai and Tony Bianco.

“People in Sydney are a lot more dressed up than in Denmark,” says University of Sydney student Regitse Thoustrup, the sister of Count Nikolai’s girlfriend, Benedikte. “It’s more formal.”

In capri pants and a vest from Kookai, with shoes and a bag from Tony Bianco, Thoustrup provided a welcome, simple Scandi contrast to the evening gowns dominating the day.

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