I was lucky enough to be invited by the lovely ladies from the VRC to Hatstravagance – a fashion event showcasing Australia’s best milliners. It featured over 250 hats (was hard to keep up with!) and over 40 milliners including Millinery Association President, Richard Nylon. 

  

Major Sponsor, Yellowglen ran a hat competition with the design to be inspired by vintage bubby. Below is the gorgeous creation by Bonnie Evelyn Farmer, winner of the competition.

The evening bought torrential rain so I did not get to feature my outfit to my industry peers but the event warmed us up with bubbly, snacks and a goodie bag on arrival. I was lucky enough to secure a front row seat so here is my review of all the action and trends

The event was hosted by the gorgeous Melissa Hetheridge from Channel 7's Coxy's Big Break. The parade was separated by race day covering Derby, Cup, Oaks and Stakes Day in what was a colourful runway. I would have liked to see it further segmented by designer as I didn't know who some of the pieces were by which would have been helpful for my trend research! 

Portraying elegance during Spring Racing is key to your look and the runway definitely represented that. The models were dressed by Perri Cutten in black only and walked the runway and surrounds for the whole audience to see. Colour is here to stay but is being teamed with simple quality clothing choices. Derby Day is known for black and white and there were some divine pieces you could almost say roaring 1920's inspired.

Fascinators and simple headbands have been replaced as hats head higher and wider incorporating some beautifully feminine, quirky and on-trend designs. Head pieces are incorporating many different fabrics and materials including lace, feathers and all things floral for Spring. 

Oversized or understated, all trends were covered. All pieces were so well structured and this year, hair up is the way to go, you'll look oh-so sophisticated!

I absolutely loved the parade and I'm now flowing with ideas and options for Spring Racing! Now I don't have the labels next to any pictures but if there is something you love, be sure to get in touch and I'll track it down for you!

Cindy x