Who needs horses when you have fashion as stunning as what was on display at the David Jones Spring Racing Preview today?
Racing ambassador for David Jones and Australian racing identity, Emma Freedman, narrated the models down a short runway flanked with beautiful roses in all shades of pink – a sure sign that spring is on the way.
The models, including Lauren Newton, Amber Renae, Brodie Harper and Nadia Coppolino sashayed down the runway to showcase the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival trends, here are the best:
Nude Palette
It’s been said before but I’ll say it again – nude is most certainly the strongest trend for spring/summer and luckily, the easiest to work with. Nudes are a fantastic base for your outfit; think of them as the perfect canvas for adding a bright blouse or accessories for killer standout appeal. Carla Zampatti, Willow and Thurley showcased some fantastic nude looks, alternating an all-nude palette with some aforementioned bright accessories. Nude patent heels are one of the easiest ways to incorporate this foundation trend – they suit all colours so will see you through all your race days. Bonus – the patent leather is no match for some soggy turf, grass and mud will wipe right off.
Graphic Prints
Computerised graphic prints were found on many of the dresses that came down the runway, from a bold black and white geometric piece from Zimmerman, to Diane Von Furstenberg putting a graphic spin on the animal print. Florals, a traditional spring print also took a new lease on life with some colourful computerised graphic prints resembling Monet-style florals being shown.
Clashing Brights
You can really have some fun with this Spring Carnival trend ladies. All manner of bright oranges, the hottest of pinks and brilliant reds were teamed together to create an outfit that will keep all eyes on you. From shoes to bags, an assembly of colours were found on the model’s accessories too. Head to toe brights require a confident gal to pull them off, so if you’re easing into this trend remember you can anchor the look with nude accessories. Veronika Maine, Lisa Ho, Josh Goot and Carla Zampatti did this look to perfection. The best race day to embrace this trend would be the traditionally fun and fashionably playful Melbourne Cup Day.
Retro/1950’s Lady-like
Absolutely perfect for racing fashion, a definite 1950’s silhouette has found its modern feet in a range of fantastic dresses by Veronika Maine, Lisa Ho, Carla Zampatti and Arthur Galan. Think hemlines to the knee, cinched in waists and lines cut to highlight the female body perfectly. This trend easily flows into the others; feel free to incorporate florals, brights and nude to suit the lady in you. The lady-like trend will also suit a variety of race days seamlessly, from the traditionally flirty and feminine Oaks day to a more sophisticated Derby Day.
Draping and Structure
A key feature of many looks shown was structure and draping. While the extreme angled shoulder might be left in winter, shoulders were still a focus of many of the pieces. Dresses and jackets included both of these strong trends, with sharp, capped or rounded shoulders giving way to draped fabrics, adding an interesting element to many of the outfits.
Racing Headwear
The oversized hats of previous years were nowhere to be seen on the runway, having been overtaken by neat pillbox style fascinators, complete with netted facial veils. The largest brim seen was no bigger than 30cm’s, although some trendier pieces such as a bright pink top-hat made their way into the looks. The key for headwear this season is small, feminine and lady-like, although feel free to experiment with the range of colours that have presented in the trends.
So there you have it, the main trends for the upcoming Spring Racing Carnival – the only hard part is now deciding what to buy. Maybe schedule in all of the Carnival meets … a new outfit for every one? A girl can dream!
Image Credits:
Charles Newbury Photography
http://www.charlesnewbury.com/
