Morphettville turned monochrome in celebration of Derby Day on May 11, where South Australia’s racing fashionistas executed the event’s traditions in unadulterated animation. The drizzly weather added extra drama to the black and white theme, and our Fashion At The Races Ambassador Lauren Dilena was in the prime position to scour the track for Morphettville’s most glamorous sartorial moments.
“Well, winter is finally starting to feel like it’s here - Saturday was a soggy one,” Lauren said. “We saw a lot of the entrants layering up in bell-sleeve dresses, suiting, top hats, stockings and of course gloves,” she said. “I love when a woman or man wears gloves – it’s so chic!”
In true Derby Day style, racegoers added intrigue to their ensembles with modern power-suiting, unexpected pops of lace, nostalgic headpieces and a hint of old Hollywood. Our FATR winner Oksana Caretti stunned in a look befitting of a film noir screen siren.
“Move over diamonds, pearls are the new best friend,” Lauren said. “Oksana stunned us all in an incredible black one-shoulder jumpsuit, wide brim felt fedora and dripped in pearl accessories,” she said. “I adored her outfit from head-to-toe and was so happy for our loyal entrant to win best dressed - it was definitely a big moment for her!”
“One of the stunning womenswear contestants [Kimmi Varcoe] literally look my breath away,” Lauren said. “She stood out wearing a striking C/MEO COLLECTIVE ivory and black printed dress, paired back with an oversized velvet bow with black and white crystals/pearls scattered all across and topped it off with a stunning black veil across her face.”
In menswear, Lauren commended the entrants for their grooming and dapper interpretation of monochrome. “We saw lots of pinstripes, checks and mix-match prints paired together,” Lauren said. “Sometimes when eliminating colour this can draw our eye to so much more attention, especially in menswear clothing – it makes you look at the silhouettes and fabric textures of the outfit,” she said. “A standout and well-deserved winner Jack Reynolds definitely dressed the part in a three-piece pinstripe suit and tie.”
Lauren’s hosting ensemble was a contemporary homage to traditional Victorian style. “Whenever I attend the races I always want to push myself out of my comfort zone and channel different looks that I haven’t worn before,” Lauren said. “I wore a matching shirt and skirt in hounds-tooth print from C/MEO COLLECTIVE, Mimi-Jane Millinery beaded headband and matching clips towards the back of my hair, pointed black leather boots by Wittner Shoes and a vintage velvet clutch from Oroton.”
Lauren insists a black and white theme does not mean your beauty look has to be bland. “Whenever wearing classic styles, I love to team a pop lip to create that wow factor and elevate the outfit,” Lauren said. “I absolutely loved working with Tara O’s business @mystylesquadapp to achieve a fun and modern hairstyle,” she said. “My hair stylist for the day was @nicoleabelahm and makeup was by the talented Amanda Mafodda (@mafods).”
“SA Derby Day was so much fun, after the FATR I was able to kick back with friends, enjoy a few champers and I put a few bets on!”
See the most dynamic dressers at Morphettville below…
