Everest 2021: What to wear to the races this year

Milliner to the stars Viktoria Novak is embracing the return of fashion as punters frock up for Sydney’s first big post-lockdown party

Sydney milliner to the stars Viktoria Novak. Picture: John Feder

Sydney milliner to the stars Vik­toria Novak’s intricate crown designs have developed a cult following, with celebrities like Jennifer Hawkins and Jesinta Franklin often spotted sporting her creations, yet the pandemic and lockdowns brought a shuddering halt to her business.

Novak says 98 per cent of her racewear millinery turnover was affected by the lockdowns. “We had to postpone everything. Even my production schedule – everything was put on hold because we didn’t have a definitive answer of when we’d be out. I went from seeing eight clients a day on my booking days to virtually nothing.”

Last week’s announcement that the Everest Day race would welcome more spectators brought hope and raft of email inquiries.

On Saturday, Sydneysiders will return to the lawn at Royal Randwick after the NSW government announced on Wednesday it would grant the Australian Turf Club an exemption to allow 10,000 fully vaccinated people to attend Everest Day, the richest horse race in Australia.

Racegoers are rushing to find something to wear. “People are excited to get dressed up again. The last 48 hours have been a bit of a roller coaster. It’s a bit like feeling the sun on your face again,” Novak said. “It was overwhelming but extremely exciting at the same time.”

Novak expects to see an embrace of personal style and timelessness rather than a reliance on mass-market trends.

The $15m race will be the first major event since Sydney’s lockdowns were lifted on Monday. With international eyes focused on it, it’s a big deal for the Australian fashion market.

“Because the world shut down, there weren’t as many trends out there … There’s a really strong, exciting buzz around people dressing more extravagantly; they want to be themselves,” Novak said.

When putting an outfit together for the races, Novak said it was all about balance. If your outfit and shoes are really busy, it’s best to opt for a headpiece that’s more minimal.

Every race day has its own dress code, and on Everest Day it’s all about a touch of blue. This year, the Everest Carnival’s Spring Fashion Stakes competition will be held virtually, with entrants encouraged to submit a photo of their best race-ready look online.

“I’ll be looking for originality, a quirky feature and confidence in women and men who dress for their bodies,” says TV personality Jules Robinson, who is judging the fashion stakes.