Vintage-chic looks reign supreme at The Ville Melbourne Cup celebrations
Melbourne Cup fashion emphasises vintage chic with elegance, bold statement pieces, and classic sophistication.
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Statement ‘vintage chic’ looks will set the tone at The Ville Resort-Casino’s sold-out Melbourne Cup event in The Pavilion – with Fashions on the Field judges looking for style and sophistication of days-gone-by.
The Ville’s November 5 event that kicks off at 11.30am will step-back into yesteryear with period styling of candy stripes, cute bows, classic pearls and cute spring blooms – with fashion looks set to match.
“In Melbourne the fashion forecast is for statement looks with a nod to old-world glamour - go big or go home they’re saying down there, but here it’s a little bit more relaxed we’re just looking for classic undertones that fit right into our vintage-chic theme,” The Ville Resort-Casino Senior Marketing Manager Kimberley Wilkinson said.
The events Fashion of the Field rules this year only stipulate “Elegant racewear for ladies and gentlemen in a jacket and tie” – Ms Wilkinson said the judges are expecting the fashion’s competition to once again be the largest and most hotly contested style-stakes in the city.
“Fashion is synonymous with Melbourne Cup no matter where you are around the country to celebrate – here at The Ville the stakes are just as high as they are on any runway down south and we are excited to see how locals interpret this season’s biggest trends with great prizes up for grabs for those who put in the extra effort,” she said.
The judges are Ms Wilkinson, and the sponsors on the day including Stacey De Vere from Alice & Alec Floristry, Jaret Grant from Pickerings Auto Group and Brent Goriss from Five-Star Fitness, who are handing out a prize-pool that includes Stay-Cays at The Ville Resort-Casino, gift packs from Chandon Australia and Grey Goose Vodka, plus bunches of blooms from Alice & Alec Floristry.
Judge Ms De Vere, who assisted with the overall styling of the event, said her top tips for females on the fashion runway at The Ville is “very demure, very mindful feminine dressing”.
“A classic, clean sophisticated look is always best, everything always rotates back to the lady-like styles of the past because you can’t step a foot wrong with elegance that’s lasted throughout the ages – while for colour, I love all colours because I’m a florist,” she said.
“I also love a statement piece, and I recommend fashion entrants just choose one element and make it bold – so go big with your dress, shoes, handbag or accessories but not all as you don’t want to look like you’re in costume.”
Ms De Vere, who has a solid background in retail and fashion, also has a soft spot for gloves and stockings in line with classic racewear rules but isn’t bothered by hem length or millinery.
“If you want to wear pants or a short skirt, or a just a few hair clips and some big earrings, that’s totally fine – wear it with confidence and that’s the best accessory you can have on the runway anyway,” she said.
While for the men, according to judge Jaret Grant from Pickerings Auto Group he’s looking for a hint of dapper sophistication that’s low-key but oozes elegance.
“Structured tailoring in a slim-fitted suit is a must, with a belt that matches your shoes paired with a pocket square that matches your tie – something that looks very effortless and understated,” Mr Grant said.
“While for accessories go for a burst of colour – the colours that are really in right now include acid green, fiery red and turquoise blues if you want to experiment whether you’re male or female, be daring I say.”
Judge Brent Goriss, from Five Star Fitness agrees that entrants should “dare to be different”, he’s looking for something bold from both sexes, in-line with the vintage-chic theme.
“It’s great to see statement colours and even abstract patterns making a comeback this season – something that is eye-catching with bright colours, sparkles or even feathers always gets my vote for the women but still keep it classy and sophisticated,” he said.
“For the men in years gone by it’s been beige jackets and pants, that’s not something I am looking for this year I don’t want to see men looking like they should conform.
“I want to see elegant looks that are a little out-of-the ordinary and even a little bit flashy.”
JUDGES’ FASHION TIPS
Kimberley Wilkinson, The Ville
YES
Vintage-chic looks
Pearls, bows and florals
Elegance always
NO
Too many rules
Men without jackets or ties
Party looks
Stacey De Vere, Alice & Alec Floristry
YES
Feminine dressing
Confidence
Gloves and stockings
NO
Hemline rules
Traditional millinery
Too many statement pieces
Jaret Grant, Pickerings Auto Group
YES
Structured tailoring
Acid green, turquoise blues and fiery reds
Dapper sophistication
NO
Mis-matched belts and shoes
Ill-fitting suits
Boring colours
Brent Goriss, Five Star Fitness
YES
Out-of-the ordinary
Bold colour and abstract patterns
Keeping it classy
NO
Beige suits
Safe conforming looks
Outfits that lack tailoring
Originally published as Vintage-chic looks reign supreme at The Ville Melbourne Cup celebrations
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