Stars shine at Oaks Day at Flemington
Oaks Day was again all about the ladies, with feminine frills, lace details, tweed and classic silhouettes best on show trackside at Flemington.
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Oaks Day was again all about the ladies, with feminine frills, lace details, tweed and classic silhouettes best on show trackside at Flemington.
Traditionally known as Ladies Day, but dubbed “pink day” by royal UK milliner Stephen Jones, the penultimate event on the Melbourne Cup Carnival proved all class, with that touch of “extra”.
Because why wear one outfit, when you can pull off two?
Model and VRC ambassador Nicole Trunfio, 36, made the entrance of the day into the Birdcage dripping in vintage Chanel, first worn by Elizabeth Taylor no less, which she bought at Christie’s auction with a whispered price tag of $21,000.
Paired with a chic bow of the same pink tweed by local milliner Melissa Jackson, the leggy brunette said her ensemble was an ode to former Chanel head designer, the one and only Karl Lagerfield, who she credited for “finding her”.
Trunfio later appeared to judge the Myer Fashions on the Field best dressed and best suited national finals, coming in hot wearing the definitive colour of the racing season, pink, pink, pink, in a Versace figure hugging mini with matching gloves by Mariam Seddiq and headwear again by Melissa Jackson Millinery.
Known for never having a hair out of place, the exquisitely tailored Jaimee Kennedy of the Kennedy brand said she was channelling the “Barbiecore” trend of pink in Tamara Ralph formerly of Ralph and Russo who designer her lavish wedding dress.
Queen of deportment and class for the third race day in a row, Melissa Leong said meeting milliner Jones was a highlight, showing off his “Love is the drug” titled merlot coloured millinery which had little pill capsules woven into the veil, again extra.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary of the Myer fashions on the field event, the stakes were high at the national final following the Victoria Racing Club’s major shift in rescinding its women’s and men’s racewear categories in replace of the gender neutral best dressed and best suited awards in a bid to increase “inclusivity and reach”.
Stay-at-home mum-of-four Bernadette May of Geraldton, Western Australia, took out the top prize in a statement gold and black Peacock Millinery and textured floral dress by Bambah.
The inaugural best suited winner, Darwin nurse Sherlon Garbo, wowed the judges in a grey skirt he designed and made himself paired with a blue blazer and lime green felt hat.
Emotional upon receiving his sash, Garbo said the newly crowned categories proved it was something for everyone and the perfect way to show off individuality and creativity.
“It shows the different interpretations to suiting and that anyone could wear a suit, or a skirt.”
Waterhouse: ‘Where my love for Flemington started’
Kate Waterhouse says her mum, legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse, will never stop.
A standout in red and pink Versace, Waterhouse said it was disappointing not to claim victory in the Melbourne Cup with two runners, but nothing would deter the family’s affection for Flemington.
“Mum is up every day at 2.30am, she works seven days a week,’’ she said.
“The time and effort she puts in is incredible. I don’t think she’ll ever stop, she loves it, it’s her passion and hopefully there’ll be many more times we’ll be here with more runners.”
She added: “I just have really fond memories of coming here when I was a little girl. I remember watching my grandfather TJ Smith and now my mum and it’s nice to see my family enjoy that too. We had a horse called Nothing Like a Dane and it won the Derby and I remember being blown away that day and that’s where my love for Flemington started.”
Wilkins: ‘I feel closer to God’
Christian Wilkins made a statement in a frock with the word “God” emblazoned on the front.
“I’m wearing Alix Higgins and hat is Loewe,’’ he said.
“He’s a young queer designer and I love the look.
“I just love a tall girl in a heel. I feel closer to God. Have I been updated from Prince to God. It’s ladies day and to wear pink florals, it suits the day perfectly.”
Wilkins was a guest of Lexus with his dad Richard and two sisters.
Kennedy: ‘Pink is the colour of the season’
Jaimee Belle Kennedy wore a showstopping hot pink outfit for Kennedy Oaks Day, but the bling was even more impressive.
Accompanying her Tamara Ralph gown was a $283,000 necklace by Graff.
“It’s been a great week and we’re excited for today,’’ she said.
“Pink is the colour of the season.”
Smith: ‘I’ve still got the moves’
Kris Smith says life has changed for the better since marrying long-time partner Sarah Boulazeris.
“We didn’t post about it for a while because we just found it really nice to enjoy the moment because I had my parents here (from the UK),” he said.
“It was worth every single cent, it was a magical day. It hasn’t changed, I don’t usually wear rings so I need to get used to this but otherwise I’m a married family man, but I’ve still got the moves.”
Trunfio: ‘It’s beautiful to celebrate femininity’
Australian model Nicole Trunfio brought old Hollywood glamour to Flemington – literally – by rocking a vintage dress once worn by Elizabeth Taylor.
Trunfio said the tweed outfit was tailored for her Oaks Day appearance.
“I think it’s really beautiful to celebrate femininity, and I love this classic tweed look,” the Texan-based beauty said.
She was impressed by the fashion in the Birdcage, adding: “I think everyone gets better and better every year … with beautiful bright colours. Everyone knows how to pull out the stops.”
Trunfio, who is married to US musician Gary Clark Jnr, brought their children to Australia for this visit.
“It’s good for my DNA,” she said about being home. “I love being home, I’ve got my kids here, and we’re really happy. We’re enjoying everything, and feel really grounded.”
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