Sprint Into Spring

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday October 4, 2008

Rachel Wells

This week: Racewear

"I HAVE got all my outfits for this year's carnival already. Thirteen, just in case," a colleague smugly informed me last week.

All of them? Already? Thirteen? Plus back-ups?

I don't have any. Not one. Let alone a plan B, C or D in case of bad weather or a last-minute wardrobe malfunction. I need six.

At least. And that's not accounting for a blizzard or a broken zip.

Given there are probably a few of us still in need of a racing outfit or 10, I thought I'd whip up a list to help navigate the season's cluttered fashion form guide and pick some of this year's winning looks.

Black and white

The elegance of Derby Day proves that monochromatic outfits shouldn't be saved just for the first Saturday of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The classic combination can look stunning on any day and on any track.

Where to find it: Arthur Galan AG, Charlie Brown, Anthea Crawford, Yeojin Bae.

Pictured: Striped tie-neck sleeveless blouse, $289, striped '50s skirt, $328, and Carnaby hat, $349, all from Arthur Galan AG.

Maxi dresses

The maxi was a huge hit on the red carpet at the Emmys and the Brownlow last month and is set to be just as popular at the racetrack. Its longevity is not surprising given its seemingly magical ability to transform even the most slovenly among us into glamorous goddesses.

Where to find it: Nevenka, Alex Perry, Matthew Eager, Yeojin Bae, Lisa Ho, Leona Edmiston.

Pictured: Pippa maxi dress, $545, from Leona Edmiston.

Wiggle dresses

The figure-hugging dress is tipped to be a popular trackside look this spring racing season. Teamed with a pillbox hat, gloves and a pair of platforms, you won't find anything prettier than a dress so fitted, you'll have to wiggle into it.

Where to find it: Sportscraft, Matthew Eager, Alex Perry.

Pictured: Singlet corset dress, $800, from Alex Perry.

Sculptural

Italian designers Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi - in their inaugural collection for the late Gianfranco Ferre in Milan last month - ensured sculptural dressing will stay on the fashion radar for seasons to come. There are few occasions that call for such dramatic dressing, but the spring racing carnival is one of them.

Where to find it: Yeojin Bae, Arthur Galan AG, Easton Pearson, Toni Mativecski.

Pictured: Silk butterfly elsie dress, $1500, from Yeojin Bae.

STOCKISTS

Alex Perry 9233 6555

Arthur Galan AG (03) 9827 3703

Bracewell 9212 4166

Leona Edmiston 9331 7177

Yeojin Bae (03) 9529 2250

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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