Race-day style for her
If you’re trackside, it’s a safe bet that you’ll spot someone in a dress by this designer. Here, Nicky Zimmermann shares her racewear tips.
DRESS
When I went to Royal Ascot, I had to work out a complete outfit. My dress was highnecked and white with black polka dots. It had quite a ’70s vibe. I also like plain black or white with texture and detail, like lace. It looks elegant, which is what the races are all about.
HEADWEAR
I always work the style of the hat around the dress; it was a Spanish-inspired hat for Ascot. [Australian milliners] Jonathan Howard and Nerida Winter are amazing.
JEWELLERY
Statement earrings, like hoops, are a great way to bring some drama to an outfit.
SHOES
I need to be comfortable – I’m a whinger if my feet are sore – but I wouldn’t wear flat shoes to the races. I wear wedge heels, which are extremely practical when you’re on grass.
JACKET
I always take a jacket because you never know, particularly in Melbourne. A tailored blazer over a dress looks great.
BAG
For Ascot, I had a Loewe bag embroidered in black, navy, red and yellow to carry through the Spanish theme. I also love this Bottega Veneta woven leather shoulder bag. Do you roll or fold? I always roll because I’m an absolute over-packer. I’m the one who chucks in an extra pair of shoes as I’m walking out the door.
Do you unpack at the hotel or live out of your suitcase? Unpack. I use the furniture in the room to lay out my dresses – for both day and evening – and I put my shoes out. Everything’s out. It’s neat but I have to do it, unless I’m only staying for one night.
What do you like to wear on a long-haul flight? Relaxedfit pants, a soft knit, a blazer and running shoes.
What are non-negotiables when you pack? When I’m working, it’s a suit. I love Balenciaga suiting because it’s got an edge to it. I’ll wear it with a T-shirt and runners. And I take a trench coat
– a classic Burberry one over a long dress or pants with sneakers gives an outfit a lift.
Are you influenced by your destination when packing?
I think so but then our designs are completely appropriate for various destinations. In Saint-Tropez, where I’ve just been to open a new boutique, there’s an understated femininity. That’s what we do so I had bags full of it!
Any tips for travelling with a hat? I travel with a lot of hats so I know how to pack them to keep the brims flat. I stack at least five straw hats on top of one another according to the size of the brim so they end up looking like one hat. Then I stuff the inside of the bottom hat with T-shirts. I put a layer of soft rolled clothing on the bottom of my bag, place the stack of hats on top and pack the next layers around it.