Melbourne Cup Carnival 2013: Rights and Wrongs

Each year, the Melbourne Cup Carnival provides us with some glowing highlights, and some glaring lows. Upon close reflection of the week that was, Angela and Lisa have compiled their list of tip-top moments and sights we'd prefer not to have seen.RIGHTSMELBOURNE CUP DAY FASHIONS ON THE FIELDAt one stage during the crowded preliminary finals, I leaned over to Angela and whispered, "Thank God we don't compete in this anymore". The quality was just ridiculous, and it wasn't a surprise to see the Cup Day victor, Chloe Moo, continue on her merry way and collect the national Fashions on the Field title.The sheer number of impeccably-dressed Cup Day entrants can probably be attributed to the outdated and now misguided entry strategy that women leave their best outfits for Oaks Day (thus not having to return again in the same outfit if one happens to win the daily final). Crafty competitors wanting an easier passage through to the Victorian final were bringing out their best wares for Cup Day instead, but it seems everyone is employing this tactic and, as such, the Cup Day competition has become seriously strong and the Oaks Day event a little weak. We're tipping entrants will come to the same realisation and we'll see a sharp rise in Oaks Day quality next year.THE MYER FASHIONS ON THE FIELD COMPETITIONThere's not a negative word that can be said about the competition this year - it was simply flawless, from the new Fashions on the Field Enclosure, which allowed us to actually see horses thanks to its magnificent views from the second floor, to the silky-smooth running of the daily competitions by the organisers, Bridget and Katie and the team from MiNC Events.These ladies are the unsung heroes of Myer Fashions on the Field, always ensuring a fair, fun and enjoyable time for participants, judges and media alike. And for anyone who can remember what Fashions on the Field was like before Bridget and Katie came on board (reminder: contestants would mill around in a paddock and would have to catch the eye of a judge before even being allowed to step on stage), you'll know what a truly incredible job they've done to get the event to the outstanding level it's currently at today. Myer Fashions on the Field would not be the same without them.BERNIE BROOKES' ON-TRACK FORMIt's hard to think of Myer's raceday delights - the Fashions on the Field competition and Birdcage marquee - without Bernie Brookes, but that's exactly what we'll be facing next year when the affable CEO steps down. Not only does his company invest heavily in the Fashions on the Field concept, but Bernie himself is a keen supporter of the event and never misses a Women's Racewear final during Cup week. We believe his love for Fashions on the Field is enhanced by his penchant for betting on the event with his high-profile mates, with each putting $20 into the kitty and selecting three charges at each competition. But's a shame Bernie's keen eye for picking Fashions on the Field winners (he marked Angela as the winner in 2011) doesn't stretch to the turf, as we hear he had more wins from fillies of the two-legged variety rather than the four-legged kind this year.Bernie, we've enjoyed your antics at Fashions on the Field and in the Myer Marquee immensely, and we hope you'll still be able to join us front-row at the FOTF enclosure next year!COCO ROCHATo those in the know, Coco's appearance at the Melbourne Cup Carnival as the International Style Guest was highly anticipated, but many non-fashion folk were scratching their heads as to who she was, and why she was invited to our biggest horse race. We're pretty sure they know who Coco Rocha is now. Not only was the Canadian supermodel always dressed to perfection in racewear-appropriate attire, but she was super charming and polite to boot.Explaining her grounded nature to smh.com.au, she said, "My favourite quote in the world is, ‘It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. I live by that. You’re invited to things like this and it’s an honour and people think of you as an important person, but always remember where you come from; always remember who’s taking care of you, who’s doing their job, when you’re just posing for pretty pictures."She also took a liking to one of our favourite Melbourne-based designers, Anthony Capon, when she decided to step up her fashion game and wear his Design Award entry on Oaks Day. Conducting their fitting at 5:30pm the day before, he spoke of her relaxed, friendly demeanour with the two spending time chatting about their mutual talent for Irish Dancing. If only they'd had time to Instagram a quick routine!BEC BRAMICHAfter years of appointing (somewhat clueless) footballers' wives as Myer Fashions on the Field ambassadors, the VRC changed tack last year and chose Ally Saville to represent the competition. Ally, the daughter of Black Caviar-owner Pam Hawkes and highly involved in horsey affairs herself, proved a popular and knowledgeable ambassador, combining her penchant for fashion with her love of all things equine.We were interested to know who would follow in Ally's footsteps, and were very pleased when it was announced endurance rider and Chadwick model Rebecca Bramich would be the 2013 Myer Fashions on the Field ambassador. Like Ally, Bec has a natural affinity for horses, which proved useful when posing with thoroughbreds for newspaper covers and entering official launches on horseback. She also knows racewear, and wears it very well, telling the audience at the Myer Fashions on the Field launch she was looking for someone who not only follows current trends, but "who puts their personality into their outfit" when judging Fashions on the Field. And, perhaps most importantly, Bec's just a really nice girl and fun to hang out with. Next year's ambassador has big shoes to fill...POPPY DELEVIGNELike Coco Rocha, many Australians would probably have no idea who Poppy Delevingne is (she's a British socialite and model), or are probably more familiar with her younger sister, Cara (she's THE model of the moment). But Poppy made a lasting impression when she was brought out by Lavazza on Derby Day. Not only did she insist on wearing something by an Australian designer (J'Aton, no less), but she asked to have the hemline lowered to the knee as it was inappropriately short by British racing standards. And, proving she wasn't there just to look pretty, she actually studied the form and left the track with over $1,000 in winnings. Poppy, thanks for showing them how it's done and you're welcome to come back anytime!WRONGSTHE MIDRIFF TRENDYes, we know, the bare midriff trend is huge this season. And we believe it can look great. But there is a time and a place for everything, and a bare or sheer midriff in the Birdcage is not one of them.The last time we checked, the Birdcage was firmly a part of "the Members' Enclosure and related areas" and, according to the Members' Dress Regulations, "garments which show midriff" are on the prohibited list. So why oh why did we see so many of them out in force on Derby Day? Rumours circulated that certain male sports stars were banned for breaking the minor "shoes without socks" rule, yet not only were female attendees allowed through the gates flashing their flesh, but it was even praised and celebrated by vogue.com.au.So who do we blame? The VRC seem completely competent at upholding the men's racewear code, but they need to step it up and step in when they see any female attendee blatantly break the dress code - no matter if she is a celebrity and exposing her body is what she's known for. And Vogue, it's time you took a look at the dress code, too, and stopped encouraging women from wearing inappropriate outfits to the racecourse. Though that may be a little tricky given our next wrong-doer...CHRISTINE CENTENERAShe's just been named as the new Fashion Director of Vogue Australia so, presumably, she's a pretty damn good stylist. But Christine Centenera seemed to leave all her styling skills in Sydney when she turned up to Derby Day sans millinery, and looking like she'd crawled out of bed in the outfit she wore out the night before.Those who are friends with me (Lisa) on Facebook will probably think I have a personal vendetta against Christine (I've ranted about this previously), but what sort of a look is it when the Fashion Director of the most prestigious glossy in the land is shown not only defying racewear etiquette, but also not supporting the little guys (milliners) of the local fashion industry? OTOT is always a fan of playing with the rules and bending them to suit your style (Angela is undoubtedly the queen of this!), and we'd really love to see what a stylist of Christine's calibre can produce when challenged to style an outfit for the racetrack. But this is not racewear, it's just really disappointing. Please try harder next time.OAKS CLUB LUNCHEONThis event is a highlight of the carnival as over 1,500 women attend each year and tickets (at $250 a pop) sell out in minutes. It was Lisa's first time attending and Angela's fifth. The menu for the event had been put together by  Crown’s Culinary Directors and renowned chefs Neil Perry and Guillaume Brahim. It is a stunning event with this year's pink theme running through the whole room with impeccable attention to detail. There were amazing musical guests (Dami Im and Belinda Carlisle) and special international guests in attendance (Coco Rocha and Kate Upton).Now I must get to why this is on the wrong list. I (Angela) am allergic to nuts. Every single year someone from the VRC requests any dietary requirements prior to the event and assures me that it won't be a problem. Yet, every single year it has been a problem, and this year was no exception. Every year without fail I have attended I have watched as guests around me are presented with stunning mouth-watering deserts and every year I have been presented with a fruit platter. In the words of Lisa: "fruit is a healthy breakfast option, not dessert". After rejecting yet another year's fruit platter I was presented with a sad piece of dry cake. I have a sweet tooth so this is quite an insult - I can bear the terrible entrees and main dishes I have been presented with over the years, but I will not tolerate fruit for dessert. Given the incredible dining options at Crown, I urge someone to come up with something better.STAKES DAY EMIRATES FASHIONS ON THE FIELDIt wouldn't be spring carnival in Melbourne without at least one day of horrible weather. The weather forecasters had been telling us all week that we would need to rug up for the final day of the Carnival. Stakes Day was freezing, with occasional bursts of spitting rain and an icy, cutting wind that didn't let up. With this in mind, we couldn't understand the number of parents with coats and jackets on, lining up with little girls in summer sundresses and little boys in thin shirts. To the rugged-up parents towing purple goosebump-covered kids, bear in mind one of the judging crietria - appropriateness of the outfit for the person's age, the climate and the raceday.THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE RACEGOERSFollowing on from the last Wrong, there were some youngsters at the track who clearly chose to dress inappropriately for the weather, and the occasion. We remember what it was like about 10 years ago, when Racing Victoria, metropolitan racing clubs and Myer really began to urge racegoers to dress appropriately for the track, and discouraged them from wearing anything they would wear to a nightclub (short, tight and composed with a good dose of elastane). Since then, Victorian and Australian female racegoers have made massive strides in the racewear stakes, reverting back to ladylike demureness and elegance and shunning anything too shiny, short and sexy.Unfortunately, the outlook for the next racgegoing generation looks a little grim. The soggy lawns at Flemington on Stakes Day were littered with 15-17 year-olds girls, barely clothed in super figure-hugging mini dresses, trying to grip onto umbrellas and stay upright on their vertiginous platform heels. One particular lass wore platform wedges so high, we feared for the safety of her ankles as she wobbled precariously with every step she took across the lawn (how she made it, we'll never know).Of course, there were some fabulous examples of well-dressed, age- and track-appropriate little ladies in the Emirates Fashions on the Field competitions, but unfortunately they were greatly outnumbered by those who weren't entering and weren't covered up. We can only hope these girls will eventually learn the benefits of "leaving something to the imagination", or become addicted to entering Fashions on the Field events.By Lisa Tan and Angela Menz

Melbourne Cup Day Wrap

The festivities of Melbourne Cup Day actually started the night before for OTOT and a few of the Myer Fashions on the Field state finalists (namely NSW, Tasmania and Queensland), at the Pre-Melbourne Cup Cocktail Function at the Stamford Plaza, hosted by Sharon Lenton Events.Kelli Odell, Alex Hecker and Crystal Kimber made a dramatic entrance not in their Myer Fashions on the Field-winning outfits but rather in Judith Penak Couture and hats by Sonlia Millinery and OTOT's Lisa Tan Millinery. Guests sipped on bubbles and nibbled bites from Harry's Restaurant, while partaking in a lively phantom call sweepstake of the Melbourne Cup.Waking up to a gloriously sunny Melbourne Cup morning, we made the trek to Flemington separately as Angela was dressing the lovely Baylee in her wares for the invite-only Design Award.But first, it was the non-professionals' turn in the Women's Racewear category in Myer Fashions on the Field. If you've seen our live blogging on the day's fashion events, you'll know that the winner was model and student Chloe Moo, from Sydney (originally Darwin), wearing an outfit sourced from Northern Territory-based designers Raw Cloth and Monsoon Millinery.As it transpired, Chloe had more than a little help from her mother, stylist and designer Jo Moo, in creating the outfit. Originally, Chloe told the Northern Territory News her mother "designed her dress and had it sewn at Darwin store Raw Cloth." Though two days later, after winning the Victorian and then National Myer Fashions on the Field finals, she told the Northern Territory News a slightly different story, explaining, "I always get my race clothes from Raw Cloth and when I walked in and saw it on the rack I just had to have it. Then they told me the story about where it came from and the work Marita did on it and I wanted it even more so, to be able to win this for them is amazing.''Regardless of how her outfit came about, Chloe was a popular winner in the Myer Fashions on the Field Melbourne Cup Day final and deserved her spot in the Victorian state final.Next up was the Designer Award, which always promises so much but, in reality, never quite delivers the high-end innovative couture we all hope for. Forty-six designers lined up for the chance to win a trip for two to Paris and a shiny Lexus to zip around in for a year, including our own Angela Menz, and OTOT's wonderfully fashionable friend, Anthony Capon.While Angela made the first cut with her signature bold prints and clashing colour combinations, her outfit unfortunately didn't make the final. However, Anthony's regal gold lace and sequinned design was announced in the top 10, and we sat silently, crossing our fingers firmly as a star-studded panel including Burlesque star Dita Von Teese and International Style Guest Coco Rocha chose their favourites.Unfortunately a win wasn't on the cards for Anthony, with Oscar Calvo taking the crown with his tri-coloured laser-cut neoprene sheath and millinery by the fab Kerrie Stanley. But what we all weren't aware of at the time was one of the judges loved Anthony's design so much, she was plotting how to beg/borrow/steal it for Oaks Day. Cue a call from the VRC on Melbourne Cup night, telling Anthony he had a high-profile fan in Coco Rocha, and 24 hours later he was fitting the same look on Ms Rocha herself, while discussing their talents for Irish dancing! Coco wore the beautiful gold lace peplum jacket with a white camisole and a white skirt by Aurelio Costarella on Oaks Day to judge the National Myer Fashions on the Field final.After all the excitement of the fashion action, we realised 3 o'clock was fast approaching and so sprinted into the Birdcage (smaller queues) to place our all-important Cup bets, and back out to the second tier of the Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure, which arguably provided some of the best views of the course (for those who wanted to see horses and not just clothes horses). OTOT was supporting Gai Waterhouse's charge, Fiorente, as we had been generously invited to her post-Cup party (or "commisseration dinner" as one owner revealed he'd been negatively calling it before the race) at The French Brasserie that evening. As the horses flashed down the straight for the second time, we watched anxiously as Fiorente burst into the clear and began charging down the outside, his giant strides gobbling up the ground and the opposition as he hit the front and ran away with the Melbourne Cup!Excited by the once-in-a-lifetime prospect of attending a Melbourne Cup winner's celebrations, we were in the mood to party and the perfect place to capitalise on said feelings was without a doubt the Myer Marquee.Retaining its reputation as the Party Marquee from last year's event, the Myer Marquee is usually quite refined up until about 4:30-5:00pm... and then the music kicks in. Everyone grabs their mojitos and makes tracks to the dance floor, where you can shimmy shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the Face of Myer, Jennifer Hawkins, and the department store's CEO, Bernie Brookes (and Bernie does not hold back on the floor!). As the other marquees wind down, Myer kicks on until around 7pm, when the music stops abruptly and guests are given their cue to leave - but not with out a parting gift of a bag of delicious cookies, which are sure to tide you over until you reach your dinner reservation.A short train-ride later, we were back in the CBD and trying to navigate our way to The French Brasserie when we came upon another group of lost racegoers, who we realised were trying to locate the same restaurant when we noticed a miniature version of the Melbourne Cup in one of their hands. A moment later we rounded the corner of Malthouse Lane with Fiorente's strapper and saw the hordes of photographers and cameramen, waiting for a glimpse of the main players in the Fiorente story (Gai Waterhouse had not yet arrived). Entering the surreal surroundings with looks of astonishment and bewilderment on our faces, we spotted THE Cup amongst the 200 excited connections of Fiorente, and also artist Laura Douglas, who has been down in Melbourne painting ponies for the VRC and Myer, and also some special commissions. The Cup began to make the rounds and landed in our yearning and ungloved hands; for someone who's only vaguely dreamed of holding the Melbourne Cup, this was definitely a moment to savour and capture, in case it never happens again!While we waited for the arrival of the lady of honour, we snacked upon some seriously delightful canapés, including rich mushroom-filled vol-au-vents, which made me curious about the rest of their menu (for the record, they offer four courses for $79, including some traditional variations of beef, confit duck cassoulet and a bouillabaisse - yum!). Sometime after eight o'clock Gai Waterhouse entered, positively giddy with joy and looking impossibly chic in a printed silk shirt, trousers and loafers. The media clamoured around her, jockey Damien Oliver, and key owners brandishing the Cup, snapping pics and shooting video as she couldn't contain her excitement and literally began kicking up her heels. Usually so demure and controlled, this was Gai letting loose - a moment I'll never forget. And, surely, one she'll never forget either, for the one that had eluded her for so long was finally and firmly in her grasp. Congratulations, Gai!Photo credits: www.theage.com.au, www.thegloss.com, www.theaustralian.com.au.By Lisa Tan and Angela Menz

Supermodel Coco Rocha to attend Melbourne Cup Carnival

Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha has just been announced as the official International Style Guest for the 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival. Scouted at an Irish dancing competition when she was 14, Rocha has modelled for every major designer, has appeared on many covers of the most influential fashion magazines (including several times for Vogue Italia) and boasts a combined 11 million followers on her blog OH SO COCO, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and vimeo accounts.The coach/judge of The Face is one of the few models to address the prevalence of eating disorders in her industry, after the five-foot-ten beauty had previously been told she did not conform to the ultra-slim size zero look favoured by designers. "I’m not in demand for the shows anymore," she said in an interview after one particular New York Fashion Week. "I’ve been told to lose weight when I was really skinny."In an interview with the New York Times, Rocha spoke out about when she came to terms with the industry's unrealistic expectations of models. "It took me a long time in the business to realise I didn't have to do everything people told me I should if I wanted a career...You know what, I stopped caring," she said. "If I want a hamburger, I'm going to have one. No 21-year-old should be worrying about whether she fits a sample size... A lot of people don't take into account the vulnerability of these young girls."Her willingness to speak out about the pressures facing models led to an invite from US Vogue supremo Anna Wintour to participate in the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Health Initiative conferences, where she discussed the issues of weight and age in the modelling industry. She is now on the board of the Model Alliance, which was established to protect models and improve their working conditions.Rocha will spend six days in Melbourne and will be attending Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, the Crown Oaks Club Luncheon and Crown Oaks Day. She will also put her fashion expertise to use, judging the Women's Racewear and Design Award on Cup Day, and the Women's Racewear National Final on Oaks Day.Photo credit: www.parade.comBy Lisa Tan