Risk and reward as black and white results in a few red faces at Derby Day

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This was published 6 years ago

Risk and reward as black and white results in a few red faces at Derby Day

By Melissa Singer
Updated

The key to taking a fashion risk is knowing when to take one, and when to take a second look.

Monelle Mondello took one of the greatest risks at Derby Day by entering Fashions on the Field for the first time, in an outfit she sourced entirely online.

Her long, striped skirt, by an Italian designer, sleeveless top and angular hat may not have had traditional racewear all over it but it won the debutante prizes worth more than $5000 in the daily competition.

"I didn't know what to expect ... it was all very last minute; my skirt only arrived in the post on Friday," Ms Mondello said.

Nadia Bartel, wife of Geelong player Jimmy.

Nadia Bartel, wife of Geelong player Jimmy.Credit: AAP

Making decisions at the last minute was the fashion prescription for Derby Day, the chilliest in 40 years.

Neighbours star Olympia Valance, wearing Melbourne designer Jason Grech​, chose comfort and style over shivering at Flemington on Saturday.

"I always wear pants and thank god I wore pants because it's freezing out there," she said.

Valance said she learnt her lesson after freezing through the Caulfield Cup carnival, and also changed her shoes for Derby at the last minute.

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Usain Bolt in the Mumm marquee at the Birdcage.

Usain Bolt in the Mumm marquee at the Birdcage.Credit: AAP

"I changed to some Nine West shoes I had in my wardrobe that I know are going to be all right all day."

Robyn Lawley​, one of the world's best known curvy models, said she was sipping cocktails to numb the pain caused by her shoes. The Kennedy ambassador said she's a huge fan of taking fashion risks.

Lana Wilkinson in the Birdcage.

Lana Wilkinson in the Birdcage.Credit: AAP

"I once wore a hat that was [had a rude word on it] and it didn't really work in my favour," she said. "There's a time and a place for everything. I was in New York and I was wearing it all the time around Williamsburg and Brooklyn."

One of the fashion highlights of the day was actress Melissa George's couture gown by Schapiarelli​, which she teamed with a Gregory Ladner​ wide-brimmed hat in the ultimate high-low move at the track.

Geelong Cats Joel Selwood and Brit Davis in the Birdcage.

Geelong Cats Joel Selwood and Brit Davis in the Birdcage.Credit: AAP

Other celebs to make the best dressed list included Lavazza guest and Mimco ambassador Montana Cox, in a dress with billowing white sleeves and a simple gold crown, a look favoured by The Block's Elyse Knowles, whose Paolo Sebastian dress had a series of sheer netted panels.

Fashion blogger and TV personality Tash Sefton, wearing a polkadot shirt and a headpiece made from baby's breath, said taking a risk requires confidence and a bit of knowledge.

"There were some girls who maybe took a risk but didn't look in the mirror before they left," she said.

Fashion faux pas were relatively light on, although in a significant clanger, face of Myer Jennifer Hawkins and racing commentator Francesca Cumani​ were sporting the same dress by Jonathan Simkhai​.

Hawkins said she had to choose her dress ahead of time.

"It has to be on the floor to buy, so I was wearing this whether it was rain, hail or shine," she said.

Same same but different hat ... Jennifer Hawkins wearing the same Jonathan Simkhai dress as Seven's Francesca Cumani.

Same same but different hat ... Jennifer Hawkins wearing the same Jonathan Simkhai dress as Seven's Francesca Cumani.Credit: AAP

Other daring fashion choices inspired by the cool weather included Mumm ambassador and Victoria's Secret model Shanina Shaik​, who teamed an embroidered cape by Australian designer duo Macgraw with an Aje dress and Stuart Weitzman thigh-high boots.

Rachael Finch, who co-hosted Channel Seven's coverage, opted for a cropped pant suit by Misha Collection, while VRC ambassador Gigi Connolly also considered the weather in a Misha jumpsuit.

Another talking point at the track was the change in rule that allows men to go "sock optional" for the first time, although the cooler temperatures meant fewer ankles were on display.

The change, announced last month by VRC chair Amanda Elliott, is the biggest change to the members' enclosure dress code in decades.

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Birdcage regular Elliot Garnaut said despite the official rule change, he had gone without socks at the races for 10 years.

"I spent many an hour in detention at Xavier College for breaking strict uniform rules and haven't stopped since," he said. "I've hidden socks on clutches, suit pockets, thrown them out past security."

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