Punters, celebs celebrating Oaks Day at the track
An Oaks Day crowd of 10,000 punters and celebrities were trackside at Flemington for ladies’ day. See all the fashion and festivities from the track.
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Oaks Day is traditionally all about the ladies, or in this woke world, officially rephrased, “women’s day”.
So it was our fine fillies, whoops women, who nailed the brief trackside, with a sea of pastels, pants suits and perhaps best of all, a proper nod to millinery, on display at Flemington.
The Bachelorette’s Brooke Blurton had women and men turning heads in a very short ruffled brown mini and sheer corset bodice by Oglialoro Couture, with a clicking of tongues by conservative punters. Many could not pull off such a thigh-skimming ensemble, but as one racegoer remarked, neck craning, “whoever she is definitely has the legs to pull it off!”
The exquisite Tayla Damir and Olivia Molly Rogers led the charge in bright pants suits.
Another VRC ambassador, Crystal Kimber, designed her own pink and green embroidered princess-inspired dress, paired with a stunning flower headpiece by former Myer Fashion on the Field millinery winner Rebecca Share Millinery.
“Who are you wearing?” she was asked.
“Me and my mum,” Kimber laughed.
“I love how feminine and beautiful I feel. I’ve always liked pink and green and it’s a subtle green. Because I know traditionally green is a sign of bad luck at the track.”
It’s those 1 per cent finer details that make a race day outfit really pop. This was what stamped Viera Macikova’s red-and-white look, deemed the winning style in the Myer’s Fashions on your Front Lawn National Women’s Racewear competition.
Judges, including Carrie Bickmore, Lana Wilkinson and Kate Waterhouse, felt Macikova’s pleated silk Rodarte “midi” dress gave timeless race wear a lively spring feel.
Its waist-cinching belt and elegant long sleeves read classic, while the high-energy hearts and polka-dot print delivered a fun-loving vibe.
With a sheer brim and red ribbon detailing, the NSW entrant’s The Fillies Collection hat played perfect accompaniment to the two-tone colour palette, impeccably matching its pretty collar and cuffs.
“Absolutely amazing,” a stunned Macikova said after having entered the competition many times before.
“I cannot believe it, it means a lot. I’m shaking.”
Then it was over to the men and after moving from South Africa two years ago, Kalombo Ntumba was speechless after taking out Myer’s Fashions on the Front Lawn’s national men’s competition.
Another NSW entrant, Ntumba said he was known for heading to the supermarket in a three-piece suit.
His YB Tailoring double-breasted blazer’s bold pop of turquoise caught the judges’ attention.
Paired with slim leg pants in pale taupe, it was felt Ntumba delivered a contemporary take on traditional racing codes.
His attention to detail with statement rings and Rodd & Gunn Panama-style hat served as the perfect accessories to add personality to his outfit.
After finding he had won almost $100,000 worth of prizes, including a new Lexus Sports Luxury car and Omega watch courtesy of Kennedy, Ntumba said he was blown away.
“I’m so thrilled to have won this. This is a true testament to my love of fashion, I’m eternally grateful for this competition. It is life-changing,” Ntumba said.
Former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers said she was enjoying the vibe.
“I love Oaks Day fashion, so many florals and pinks and pastels,’’ she said.
“I feel so lucky, I had a bit of a last minute call up to do a job with the VRC. I feel very excited and privileged to be here.”
Myer Fashions on Your Front Lawn ambassador Tayla Damir said: “Today we’re announcing the men’s and women’s winners,’’ she said, adding that fiance, Richmond star Nathan Broad was among the crew celebrating Verry Elleegant’s Melbourne Cup win.
“Their friend Johnny (O’Neil) won and they got to see the Cup and they had an amazing day. He’s still tired and I am too but pushing through and I’m excited to be here.”
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