Cup Week’s last blast – Stakes Day – is a joy for all ages whatever the weather.
Words: Victoria Gillett. Pictures: Victoria Gillett and Kelly Defina/Getty Images.
The weather gods did not smile kindly on Flemington but racegoers were undeterred, trotting out in their laidback-luxe for a final Cup Week fling at the fourth and last event, Seppelt Wine Stakes Day.
The fashionably wet ‘n’ wild ‘n’ wilful clung to the traditional family day celebrations as tightly as their inverted umbrellas battled for supremacy against the wind. The chilly weather dampened shoes but not spirits and Flemington’s famous roses, no matter how wet, still looked and smelled as sweet.
Angela Menz and Wendell Teodoro. Photo: Victoria Gillett.
“I’ve noticed this week a lot of girls worrying about ruining their outfits,” observed fashion designer and blogger, Angela Menz (above). “But I would rather trash my outfit and have the best day. I can always wash it, or get another one. I don’t care. It’s supposed to be about dressing up and having a fun time.”
Photo: Victoria Gillett
Angela was perched like a delectable rose meringue souffle in her pale pink wedding dress, at the 1 Oliver St dessert bar in the Birdcage: “Why not give it a second life?!” she smiled. All her designs, she added, are about clothes you can feel good wearing and have fun in. Exactly what Cup Week is all about.
Photo: Victoria Gillett
And fun was certainly had. The slowed pace of Stake’s Day see teetering heels tipped aside for more comfortable wedges and chunky-soled sandals. Dramatic millinery takes a back seat to more subtle head pieces, hair bands and intricate clips fashioned in rose gold and silver. All the better for frolicking.
Photo: Victoria Gillett
“A lot of people don’t understand that THIS is the best day,” said fashion photographer Wendell Teodoro (above). “I love seeing families come together, especially for Fashions on the Field. It’s also the biggest party in the Birdcage after 3pm. Everyone just lets their hair down. Everyone is so happy here; it’s like a playground.”
Photo: Victoria Gillett
Hidden beneath furs and puffer jackets were drifty silhouettes; silky pantsuits and ruffled white lace pieces reminiscent of Hanging Rock’s Miranda and spring’s perennially popular florals softened into elegant pastels.
Photo: Victoria Gillett
Trends traversed the ages, from new school 1980s powersuits to the effortless elegance of 1990s-style slips in creams and earthy tones, hot pinks and oranges, powder blues and delicate florals.
Photo: Victoria Gillett
Frills, bell sleeves and bell bottoms hung around to add feminine touches to masculine power dressing. And Jean Shrimpton would be pleased with the sweep of 1960s influence shining through. “I have seen heaps of 60s influenced outfits and detailings,” Wendell said. “It’s a really interesting aesthetic from a time when women were finding new freedoms and femininity.”
From left: Kayne Razmovski 2nd runner up, Henry Hutchins, first place and Jordan King, runner up in Senior Boys Fashions on the Field. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.
Over in Flemington’s The Park precinct, Fashions on the Field featured its classic Stakes Day family and junior heats, dominated by matching three-piece suits, plaid pattern coordination and red tones varying from deep rose, to burgundy, to magenta. Some seriously dapper runway breakdancing in the junior boys’ final heats stole the day.
From left; Rity Rakesh, second runner up, Charlie Borracci winner and Sophie Glover runner up in Senior Girls Fashions on the Field. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.
Fourteen year old Ritu Rakesh (above, right) was thrilled with her first ever day at the Races and the chance for some runway practice ahead of her upcoming shows at Kid’s Fashion Week. She placed second runner up in her Senior Girls section. “I did not think I was going to win at all!” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity.”
Photo: Victoria Gillett
The Park itself is a wonderland of fun photo booths, vine-entwined swings and sugary snack bars all coloured in this year’s piquant pink. “I love seeing families and the kids enjoying it,” said Lauren Turner, (above), a dancer for Wacky Entertainment, dressed in pink-trimmed clear raincoat over slip dress and on-trend white blazer. “Cup Day was the best weather wise, but rain is all just part of the fun”. It’s her third year working at the carnival and Stakes Day, she added, is her unequivocal favourite.
Photo: Victoria Gillett
