Imagine 700 women, all in fabulous hats and fascinators, milling about in their finest racewear attire at Flemington Racecourse. That’s what I got to experience last Wednesday afternoon at the Myer Spring Fashion Lunch, one of the hallmarks of the Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne.
The guests’ place settings and gift bags
I haven’t been to the races in four years (*gasp* *horror*), so it was a real treat to be able to ogle everyone’s outfits and hats. The amount of celebrities in the room was an added bonus: there was the Myer designer Alex Perry, milliner Nerida Winter, and gorgeously tall Rebeccah Panozza. Plus, I finally got to see the dashing Kris Smith up close. He is one handsome gent, let me tell you. (Although when I gushed about him to Ruki, I was met with a “Who?” Boys…sheesh) All of the Melbourne fashion bloggers were in attendance, too — I caught up briefly with the Sarahs behind Style Melbourne and Sarah Tulle.
Myer designer Dom Bagnato and Myer Ambassador Kris Smith – photo courtesy Karon Photography
The guests were greeted by battalions of waitstaff handing out bubbles and Schweppes’ ‘Flemington Fling’ cocktails. During lunch by John Lawson (of No. 8), a fashion show was MCed by Channel 7’s Sunrise hosts Samantha Armytage and Mark Beretta. I had a chat to the Myer personal shopper, who told me that many of the ladies would end up ordering complete outfits directly off the runway; she was on hand to arrange styling.
the waitstaff about to be pounced upon
hats, glorious hats!
Indeed, the women in attendance went all out. As I got my makeup refreshed at the Napoleon Perdis station (such a great idea!), I overheard one woman explain to her friends that she’d had a makeup/hair stylist come to her house earlier that morning to help her prep. If this is the effort that people go to for the lunch, I wonder just how amazing they’re going to look at Derby Day, Stakes Day, and of course, the Melbourne Cup. The dresses and fascinators will be beyond magnificent.
Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Rebeccah Panozza
the media scrum
If I had one suggestion for the day, it would be to arrange some special train services: walking 15 minutes to the nearest tram wasn’t that great for the ol’ tootsies. It would be fabulous to see Flemington and Metra joining forces. Keep things green, baby!
Theresa at the #MyerFOTF stand
The time I spent there was a seamless, stylish adventure. I felt more fashionable just being in the room with so many decked-out women, and it was wonderful how dressed up everyone was. You can check out more photos on the official Myer blog and in the Sydney Morning Herald.
And start thinking about what you’ll wear on your head this year. I already have my fascinator ready and rarin’ to go!
-Theresa
