It’s fashion first as racegoers return to track
DON’T expect anything subtle about racegoers’ sartorial choices at today’s Longines Golden Slipper Day as Sydney embraces the chance to get back to the track after Covid-19 lockdowns.
Those descending on Rosehill Gardens today are expected to relish the opportunity to put their best fashion foot forward.
Stylist Donny Galella has paid close attention to what punters are wearing this autumn racing carnival and said guests weren’t playing it safe.
“I’m noticing a real return back to all-out glamour and attendees are really enjoying dressing up again,” Galella said. “After all the Covid lockdowns we have been starved of opportunity to embrace glamour and dressing up, so I’ve noticed racegoers are really going all out, being unapologetically glamorous, and are really embracing dressing up.”
As for styles and hues, black is barely being seen and bigger is better.
“People are wearing dresses with details such as voluminous sleeves, puffy sleeves and ruffles,” he said. “Colour is big. Vibrant colours such as green, chartreuse, blue, orange, red and pink are popular. And two-piece sets such as blazer and pants or skirt was a huge trend last weekend and we’ll see more of it over the coming weeks.”
Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse, TV personality Anna Heinrich and models Tahnee Atkinson and Simone Holtznagel are among the celebrities attending the world’s richest race for two-year-olds today, the $5m Longines Golden Sipper.
Holtznagel, who has just completed a stint on reality TV series SAS Australia, said she is excited to swap her combat uniform for a glamorous frock.
”I’m looking forward to being trackside after so long,” she said.
“It is set to be an exciting day of racing. I definitely missed the atmosphere of having everyone in one place. Whether it’s watching the races, people or live music, everyone is there for a great time and to create amazing memories.”