5 minute read
Photo Finish Fashion
By Annette Sanfilippo
One of the most anticipated few weeks of the year is nearly upon us. Spring has definitely arrived. And if you add the word ‘carnival’ to it, the two words together conjure up an air of excitement and joy along with social calendar mayhem.
Melbourne is set to turn on its annual racing fashion extravaganza that many have been preparing for since last year. It is taken quite seriously and tends to dominate everything from fundraising events, newsreels, luncheons and fashion shows; but most of all, shopping. Besides the iconic Derby Day, where we pay homage to all things black and white, racegoers and fashionistas will be out and about looking for all the 'brights'. Excuse me for being a tad more excited this year, as the universe is starting to align and finally after a few years of a ‘laissez-faire attitude to dressing, we will be embracing the full gambit of fashion from hat to toe. Minimalism is taking a bow, and it will be a season to dollup, suit-up and express your style with a bit of artistic flair. Lucky you; everything you need can be found right here on the Mornington Peninsula.
If you are shopping your own wardrobe first but need that perfect accessory, then you won’t be short for choice at Katra Collections in Rye. There, you will find luxury accessories from handbags to shoes and everything in between to create that perfect look you imagined. Those little details that add that something special can take your outfit to the next level and you will feel like a kid in a candy shop browsing the selection on offer there. With new stock weekly and the ability to pre-order some items, boutique owner Kartia will make sure you never miss out.
The recipe for styling racewear is all about getting the balance of colour, texture, design and latest trends blended perfectly with just a touch of confidence and a hint of attitude. 2025 will see traditions challenged and rules ready to be broken. Pattern clashing, structure versus soft sheer fabrics, hem lengths wherever you desire and lots of sleeve silhouettes and decadent trims will feature. Embellished lapels and fabric floral corsages are trending and bespoke couture headwear will be at the forefront yet again. Both male and female attire gets playful and options are abundant on our peninsula streets.
Head to The Style Squad on Virginia Street in Mornington where new owner Chips, (as she likes to be called), is ready to give you a first-class styling experience from head to toe. Chips has been part of fashion and retail on the peninsula for many years and brings her feel-good, energetic, bubbly spirit and experience to everyone in the room. She makes it all about you and will have you walking out of their signature pink door preened to perfection. Known for stocking the latest dress brands for hire like Elliatt, Bariano, Mossman and Mackenzie Mode, The Style Squad is a dress mecca, and the future plan is to give clientele a one-stop shopping destination bringing you back again and again and again!
The girls can’t have all the fun though. New to Main Street, Mornington is Cambridge Clothing bringing sophisticated tailoring, men’s apparel and accessories. The team offers styling advice, effortless combinations of elevated event wear, suiting and seasonal pieces with a dedication to dressing every man in confidence. Bursting with a list of well-established brands, it will be easy to find your perfect look and get season-ready. From the moment you walk in you are surrounded by crisp clean lines, subtle textures and tonal pieces. The vibe is vibrant with a little edge with experienced and unmatched service.
Racewear is an unusual genre of fashion, and it has only one real platform for expression: a race day. Whether it’s your aesthetic or not you have to give it credit for its originality and creative direction which can often influence trends in other areas of dressing. It’s an exciting look to wear and once that hat goes on, or pocket square is secured, you are transported to a fantastical world where the compliments start flowing along with hopefully a bubbly or two.
Whether you hire, buy or fabricate your outfits, it’s a bit of fun. And if you get a chance to strut on the fashion stage to an adoring crowd, make sure you have your shining ‘voila’ moment in the limelight. Put your best foot forward and reflect your personal style and in the words of the late and great Giorgio Armani, “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered”.
Enjoy it all.
Fashionably yours, Annette
