Elizabeth Pollard of Western Australia has won the national Fashions on the Field on Oaks Day, the final serious fashion day of the Melbourne Cup carnival. Racing continues on Saturday for family-oriented Stakes Day, but today's the day ladies make their mark in the racewear competitions. Pollard's winning combination included creamy pink and black, a contorted hat that scraped the clouds and a fitted pencil skirt with overlapping hip-height peplum.
Fascinators ruled the day, a most unfortunate turn of events for those like myself who support a structured hat over some fluffy tizz from a duster. Making up for the unruly feathery headpieces on the public lawn, serious millinery was awarded in the Fashions on the Field tent.
Tailored blazers, Balmain-style shoulders and coordinated cardigans kept the chilly winds at bay. Hemlines were indeed lower to the ground and there was a distinct vintage feel in the air. For vintage pedants, I'm talking about the kind of recycled five year-old hats, or re-worked accessories that help cope with the economic climate and the $35 plastic bottles of Yellowglen.
Many of the lads made quite an effort, such as designer
Adam Tsen. Many lads of course made no effort whatsoever. A V-neck T-shirt and op-shop suit is not racewear, next year stay in bed.
With a much smaller crowd than the Melbourne Cup and Victoria Derby day, the whole arena had a much more relaxed feel. So if you hate racing, but someone's twisting your arm to head down to Flemington, this day is the one for you.
Photos Steve Lightfoot