‘Bulls**t’: Glam businesswoman’s ‘Free Palestine’ Flemington dress sparks frenzy

A prominent businesswoman has ignited fiery debate by donning a designer dress with a bold message on it during a major Spring Racing fixture.

A prominent Adelaide businesswoman has ignited fiery debate by donning a “Free Palestine” designer dress during Derby Day over the weekend.

The gown, created by South Australian designer Cadell Canute, bore the messages ‘Free Palestine,’ ‘Where’s Humanity?’ and ‘Ceasefire Now.’

Angelica Mesisca Barrientos’ fashion statement has not only garnered attention but also spurred conversations about the intersection of politics, fashion and racing.

Upon entering Flemington’s VIP zone over the weekend, Ms Barrientos, a successful skincare merchant, initially concealed her outfit under a long coat, The Herald Sun reported.

However, she chose the viewing deck of the Penfolds marquee to reveal her costume, making a statement that resonated far beyond the racetrack.

Angelica Mesisca Barrientos, owner of an Adelaide skincare chain, made a bold fashion statement by wearing a “Free Palestine” designer dress during Derby Day. Picture: Supplied

While the dress did not violate the Victoria Racing Club’s (VRC) dress code rules, it sparked a swift reaction from Jewish leaders who called for a ban on politically-charged attire at the event.

Daniel Aghion, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, expressed concerns about local sports events becoming platforms for political statements.

“Highly visible political protests like this alienate other racegoers and create a highly charged, culturally unsafe environment, especially at this time,” Aghion told the Herald Sun.

The dress was created by South Australian designer Cadell Canute, and bore messages like ‘Free Palestine,’ ‘Where’s Humanity?’ and ‘Ceasefire Now.’ Picture: Supplied

While her dress did not violate the Victoria Racing Club’s dress code rules, it sparked a swift reaction from Jewish leaders who called for a ban on politically-charged attire at the event. Picture: Supplied

Ms Barrientos has remained steadfast.

On Monday, she took to Instagram to share a photo of her Derby Day appearance with a defiant message.

“There is no honour in silently witnessing a genocide,” she wrote.

In her post, she tagged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Senator Penny Wong, urging them to take note of her message.

The controversy surrounding her dress has roots in her deep concern for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Ms Barrientos later spoke with the Herald Sun, saying: “We need to stop the genocide that is happening in Palestine.”

“No one can look at what’s happening in the Middle East and think it’s OK, or justify it by any means,” she said.

Derby Day ran at Flemington Racecourse on Sunday. Picture: Jay Town/Racing Photos via Getty Images

The response to her statement has been mixed.

While some have applauded her stance, others criticised the choice of venue and method.

This divide was particularly evident during a heated on-air exchange on 3AW.

Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell on his morning program, opened the talkback line to discuss Ms Barrientos’s decision.

Jones asserted that there is a “time and a place” to discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the races may not be the appropriate venue.

Stand-in #AW breakfast host Tony Jones was put on the spot over the dress. Picture: Fiona Byrne

However, a caller named Steve passionately disagreed, accusing Jones of lacking empathy of the situation in Gaza.

“This is a terrible situation, a drastic situation, a humanitarian crisis, and it should be addressed,” Steve argued.

In response, Jones maintained that Ms Barrientos could have conveyed her message more effectively simply wearing the message: “Ceasefire in Gaza.”

VRC chief executive Steve Rosich acknowledged the ongoing world conflicts and expressed sympathy for those affected.

He also clarified to the Herald Sun that the VRC has rules prohibiting clothing with deliberately offensive messages or slogans supporting banned groups.

Israel and Hamas have been locked in a bitter war since October 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack, killing more than 1,400 people.

Most of the victims were civilians, and more than 200 are still being held hostage in Gaza City, according to Israeli officials.

Since then, Israel has relentlessly bombarded Gaza and sent in ground troops in an assault the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory says has killed more than 9,700 people, mostly women and children