Grand Prix Glamour

STYLIST to the stars, Lana Wilkinson, shares her top tips to supercharge the style stakes this Grand Prix season.

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STYLIST to the stars, Lana Wilkinson, shares her top tips to supercharge the style stakes this Grand Prix season.

BRIGHT colours and bold patterns will be in bloom at this year’s Formula 1® 2018 Rolex Australian Grand Prix. Gone is the neutral palette of 2017, with winter’s muted tones making way with vibrant shades and glowing golden hues.

“This season is different to other years,” says celebrity stylist and official Grand Prix style ambassador, Lana Wilkinson. “There is so much gold and bright colour. It’s a really great season to have a lot of fun with in fashion.

“One of my favourite parts about working with the Australian Grand Prix is that it is one of the first major events of the season. Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival showcases the new-season looks on the runway, then the Grand Prix falls straight after that and I get to play with all the new trends and inspire people on how to put them together. I love being able to lead from the front in terms of what people will be wearing through autumn and winter.”

So, if you’re looking to rev up your race-day get up, here are her top tips to help you nail it.

STYLIST’S GUIDE TO GRAND PRIX GLAMOUR

Key looks for autumn

“It feels like fashion is having a bit of fun for a change and there is a bit of late 80s, early 90s, Beverly Hills, 90210 vibe about it. Think blazers with shirts and shorts, A-line miniskirts and suit dresses. The power shoulder – that one shoulder vibe - is back with a vengeance. There are lots of ruffles and twin sets, and colours that are really bold and really out there for winter.”

Colour trends

“This year, beige winter colours have been replaced with golds and brights. Think fuchsia pinks, yellows and deep reds.” Whether you are in the Paddock Club or dancing away in the Heineken® Village, this look will have you covered.

Pattern on block?

“Florals will be big this year. We’re going to see lots of clash printing as well.”

Cuts/styles we're likely to see at the track

“Suiting and power suiting is big this year. We’re seeing it online with the female empowerment movement. It’s all about looking strong and looking like a boss - that’s where wearing those bold colours is great. Power dressing is definitely here to stay and I think it’s a great thing to dress in such a way that’s about feeling empowered and feeling good about yourself.”

This is a classic look for ‘The Lounge’, an elegant space where the who’s who of Melbourne take in all the action.

What are your thoughts on cutouts/skin?

“Shoulder cutouts still very much a trend. Twin sets – the crop top and pants look – are also big.”

Should you opt for natural or glam makeup look?

“It all depends on what you’re doing. If you’re going to a trackside lunch or enjoying the festival vibe in general admission, you’d probably go for a more toned down, dewy, natural look. But if you’re dressing for a Glamour on the Grid type event, it’s a chance to go all out and really have a bit of fun and push the boundaries.

What about hair and makeup?

“Hair and beauty are very much a part of the day. There is no point having an amazing outfit trackside if hair and makeup fall down.”

What are the big shoe trends?

Some people might be happy to strap on some stilettos, which looks glam if you’re in a hospitality suite, but it’s all about being sensible too. Block heels are here to stay. Boots can be really cool as well, especially for the festival zones like M-Lane and Heineken® Village. It’s all about bringing that street style into the event.”

Must-have accessories this season?

“Use accessories as a hero – such as a statement shoe or a gold clutch. Sunglasses are also really having a moment this year and can add instant cool factor to any look.”

Which Aussie designers are we set to see a lot of at this year's event?

We are so lucky to be able to work with so many amazing, talented designers. I think we’ll be seeing plenty of Bec and Bridge, Carla Zampatti, Dion Lee, Bianca Spender, Alice McCall. There are so many!

Do you have to go all out or are jeans still acceptable?

As I mentioned, we’ve got a bit of a 90s throwback this year, which means jeans are so in for the season. Denim is a big hero – denim skirts, denim jeans, denim jackets, double denim. Have a bit of a play with separates – different crops with pants. The Grand Prix isn’t just about going and wearing a racy dress, it’s about being stylish and, for me, I think it’s just as cool to rock a bit of a Kim K look – leather pant, crisp white shirt and a blazer - as it is to wear a designer gown… You don’t need to dress like you’re trying too hard. This year fashion is all about being empowered and strong. The way you do that is to wear something you feel amazing in. You are what you believe, so if you feel confident in yourself, you’re untouchable.

Originally published as Grand Prix Glamour