Spring Carnival in Australia
These are an exciting next couple of months in racing not only in the US but most definitely in Australia. All eyes turn to the Spring Carnival where not only the horses highlight the newspapers and Instagram accounts but the fashion makes much of the headlines.
We’ve become accustomed to stalking a few of the fashionistas over there and thought we’d share them with you. Whether you are you Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or America – these accounts are worth a follow!
Our latest need-to-follow is Milano Imai, an Australian/Japanese beauty from Brisbane, now running the Gold Coast Fashion at the Races scene. 
- What gets you most excited about the Spring Racing Carnival? The planning of outfits- the chaos of trying to put together three complete outfits for one week and seeing everyone’s beautiful fashion!!
- Do you have a favorite raceday to attend? If so, why is it your favorite? I love Oaks Day because the fashion is so bright and feminine- everyone really goes all out!! And you get to watch the millinery and National Finals 😀
- How do you prepare for a raceday? Weeks before? Day of? I am quite last minute but i’ve been working on my time management. I try to get a dress made with a month to spare so I can embellish and bead it.. but usually I’m still beading the morning of the event! I like to diet a few days before so I don’t feel uncomfortable in those tight pencil dresses.
- What trends do you see for this years Carnival? Lots of midi length whether it be full skirts or pencil dresses, embellishments (yay!!) including tassels and lots of luxurious laces like guipure.
- Any advice to ladies as they begin to style their outfits? The best way to know if something suits is to try it on in good lighting, with your makeup on and take photos- even taking your dress with you whilst looking for shoes and accessories and trying it all on in store I find helps a lot. Oh and don’t be afraid to try new things.
- What tips would you give the ladies who enter the FOTF competitions? Don’t make the main focus of your day to win. Instead make sure you are there to enjoy a fun day with friends, taking photos, watching the beautiful fashion, having a drink and meeting new people and enjoying yourself whether you make it past the heats or not. Always remember to smile and look confident on stage 🙂
- What do you think the judges are looking for this year? I think they are looking for something fresh- last year we saw a lot of certain brands dominating the stages, so this year something that is unusual and stands out.
- Do you have your outfits ready? & Will you be entering FOTF? I have one outfit ready and two more in the works. I will be entering all three days this spring carnival (Derby, Cup and Oaks)
- What is your favorite part about attending the races in high fashions? Being able to wear millinery!!! There really is nothing like completing your outfit head to toe. I would wear millinery everyday if i wouldn’t feel out of place in Coles or at the movies. Haha!
Quick Five Favorites
Favorite Cocktail: Passionfruit mojito
Favorite Food: I love Mexican food (helium tacos) and also I make the best home made vegetarian pizzas
Favorite Make-up Product: Eye lid primer- Paint Pot by MAC- you can really notice a difference when you don’t use it
Favorite Clothing Designer: I have too many to name but any brands that embellish (Chanel, Ellie Saab, Fendi etc)
Favorite Shoe Brand: Tony Bianco is great for everyday comfy heels but when I am finding shoes to match my racing fashion outfits they can be found anywhere from the local markets to online and usually I’m looking for a bargain and something quirky.
Next, I’d like to introduce you to Angela Menz originally from Canberra in Aus now running the fashion streets in Melbourne. Be sure to check out her Instagram @ontrackontrend (shared with another fab fashionista Lisa Tan)
- What gets you most excited about the Spring Racing Carnival? The fashion!
- Do you have a favorite raceday to attend? If so, why is it your favorite? The Melbourne Cup– it’s the race that stops a nation, and the roar of the crowd as the race takes place cannot be beat.
- How do you prepare for a raceday? I’m definitely a last minute kind of person. Every year I tell myself I’ll be more organised, but it doesn’t happen. I do everything myself- hair, makeup and I make my outfits and millinery.
- What trends do you see for this years Carnival? Off the shoulder, longer (mid calf) hemlines
- Any advice to ladies as they begin to style their outfits? Dress to suit your personality and body type!
- What tips would you give the ladies who enter the FOTF competitions? Be confident and study the form. If you’re not sure what to expect look at photos from previous years to give you an idea of what other people will be wearing.
- What do you think the judges are looking for this year? Someone that stands out with originality, whilst having a nod to the latest trends
- Do you have your outfits ready? I have half a dress ready for Melbourne Cup week. I’ll be entering the invitation only design award and millinery award competitions
- What is your favorite part about attending the races in high fashions? I love an excuse to dress up, but the best part is seeing what other people are wearing. It’s the best fashion parade you’ll see anywhere!
Quick Five Favorites:
1. Favorite Cocktail- Mojito
2. Favorite Food- Hotdogs
3. Favorite Make-up Product- Lipstick
4. Favorite Clothing Designer- Moschino
5. Favorite Shoe Brand- Miu Miu
Next, check out Nina O’Brien with her fabulous Instagram Account: @trackmode_ Nina is a model turned entrepreneur born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. She also owns a few racehorses of her own!
- How did you get involved in the fashion and horse racing world? Growing up I modeled but never had anything to do with horses until I met my husband, Danny O’Brien in 2005. Danny is a horse trainer. Since then I have fallen in love with not just the horses but everything else that comes with them, highs and lows.
- What gets you most excited about the Spring Racing Carnival? I love Spring Racing Carnival. I enjoy dressing up but for me, it’s not just about getting dressed up and heading to the track for a few drinks with friends. It’s the adrenaline of the sport that makes me want to go back for more. I own and race a few horses myself and there’s nothing like watching your own horse run in a race.
- Do you have a favorite raceday to attend? My favourite Race Day is Derby Day. It’s the first day of the Flemington Spring Carnival Week and there’s a buzz in the air. It’s the first of four major race days and on Derby Day alone there are 9 races, 4 group1 and 5 other group races. There’s a strong presence of fashion stakes as everyone is dressed in black and white.
- How do you prepare for a raceday? I usually buy my dresses on my trips to Europe each year (i time my trips well during the mid season sales) :)) I’m very organised, I have my dresses sorted way prior to the Spring Carnival, headwear is a mother story. I’m often changing last minute. I’m not into big hats. Being so tall I’m conscious of looking too awkward with a massive piece on my
head. - What trends do you see for this years Carnival? This year I’m seeing a lot of lace once again and a lot of pastels. I’m a firm believer you don’t have to follow the latest trends to a T, as long as you’re comfortable in your own skin that’s all that matters.
- Will you be entering any of the FOTF competitions? I don’t enter fashions on the field, I simply have no time for it during a race day as I am there supporting my husband and looking after clients.
- Any advice to ladies as they begin to style their outfits and get ready for racing? My number one rule is to have comfortable shoes as race days are long. And drink plenty of water!!
Quick Five Favorites:
1. Favorite Cocktail- Mojito
2. Favorite Food- I love a good burger
3. Favorite Make-up Product- MAC Trace Gold
4. Favorite Clothing Designer- Johana Ortiz
5. Favorite Shoe Brand- Jimmy Choo
Stay tuned for more!!