Racing – the Australian national passion, running all year round, gradually moving across the country from the south in summer to the north in winter.
However, the culmination of all racing seasons and locations takes place in the first week of November at Flemington race course in Melbourne.
During this week, the three major cups, Derby Day Cup, the Melbourne Cup and Oaks Day Cup are held.
A week long bonanza for racegoers, trainers, horses, jockeys, gamblers, the press and fashionistas. The iconic fashion feast of race wear during Cup Week is the Myer Fashion On the Field contest which is held throughout the week. Derby Day opens Cup Week and has the long standing tradition of an opposing monochrome fashion theme. If you ever thought Black and White as a combination was just too boring, think again!
This year, despite the pouring rain, about 150 contestants dressed in all shades of black and white challenged themselves to step out onto the catwalk. All vying for the prestigious title of Best Dressed of Derby Day. Each lady is given only half a minute on stage to show off her outfit to judges and spectators .
You may be surprised to hear that there is weeks and months of preparation behind those 30 seconds!
For my outfit I spent at least three months working on my skirt and another month working on my hat. The only chance to work on my outfit is spare time in evenings and on weekends, but even so, the amount of time needed was still considerable!
The skirt was made by me, the blouse was made by talented off-spring designer and my friend Tatiana Semenova (@art_tatianasemenova). More info and her amazing portfolio is here:
https://by-tatiana-semenova.squarespace.com/?fbclid=IwAR1B6Pq5QRIKo6I3hqsQ2MBWA_lbFchFzoNM8EcW71_dnNUbBA4zK-EZc64
So, for all the fashionistas Cup Week is the big opportunity to show off the fruits of their hard labour and creativity, catch up with other fashionista friends, be showered with compliments from spectators and shine in front of the cameras!
And the winners are:
Friends, music, photographers – the Derby was fun, despite the rain!