Tattler Summer 2015 21 Laura Moss is the mastermind behind Racing Style Nation, an online resource for racing style enthusiasts. View www.racingstylenation.com.au for more information. What is trending at the moment in terms of Spring Racing Style? The 1970s influence seems to be everywhere at the moment. We are seeing a lot of fringing detail, bell sleeves and tassels on mid-length style dresses and heels. When 1970s themes pop up as ‘on trend’ the words subtle and minimal are imperative. White-on-white and gorgeous lace dresses and matching sets are also popping up. With regard to upcoming millinery trends there is a huge shift in the demand for crown style headpieces. Boater style hats are also being revived by Australian milliners. What is your go to style that never fails at a race day? I am a big advocate for hair being secured in an up-style at the races. Millinery can be secured much easier Tattersall’s Club held its annual Melbourne Cup Calcutta in the Members’ Bar on Monday 2 November. One of the most successful Calcutta’s in Club history with over 170 Members and guests in attendance and generating a $89,000 prize pool. Calcutta’s have been held in the Club since it was first established in 1865 and is a tradition that has continued through the generations of Members, maintaining its position as a prominent racing event on Tattersall’s Club’s calendar. this way and I feel it creates a much more polished look, especially in unpredictable weather. Speaking of weather, for women entering Fashions on the Field competitions; season appropriate gloves as a last minute styling option (tucked away in your clutch) are something to consider. Classic race wear details can often mean the difference between first and second place in Fashions on the Field. Even just holding your gloves with your clutch in one hand (if it is a very warm day) can show the judges your attention to detail and practical styling. What is your process when pulling together a race day look? It is way too easy to blow your budget when planning a race day outfit, so for me personally, I will always start with my outfit, create the headpiece to match and then depending on practicality of purchases, work in heels and a clutch, with accessories and gloves to complete the look. This order can be changed up depending on which element of your outfit is going to be the star. What tips do you give men and women when they are entering Fashions on the Field for the first time? I always say the joy of entering Fashions on the Field is meeting like minded people and boosting your self confidence. Many Fashions on the Field entrants also insist the planning phase is half the fun. In terms of styling and pulling an outfit together what is going to win a Fashion on the Field competition? Fashions on the Field competitions are often won by entrants who do not over complicate their look, wear quality millinery, are confident in their presentation and have an editing eye. That is; knowing when to pull back and simplify their overall look. Each element of a winning Fashions on the Field ensemble should be complimentary to the next and flattering to the wearer. What are some mistakes you see men and women doing that can easily be fixed? Newer Fashions on the Field entrants sometimes make a grab for the judges attention, whether it be by winking, shimmying at the crowd or dancing at the end (or down) the catwalk. This is sometimes a strategy to combat nerves, but a lot of the time it can be perceived as making a joke out of the Fashions on the Field event, which has never been well received by the judges. Other common faux pas for men and women include scuffed or non season appropriate footwear, ladies nightclub ensembles, cleavage and millinery in wool or felt for the spring racing season. Laura Moss from Racing Style Nation HOW TO WIN A FASHIONS ON THE FIELD COMPETITION A Calcutta adds a whole extra dimension of excitement to a race day with high stakes and even higher returns. It is a combination of a raffle and auction. Firstly, tickets are sold (like a raffle) for $10 each and each ticket gives the purchaser a chance of drawing a horse that is racing in the Melbourne Cup. There is a minimum spend of $500 on tickets per table. The more tickets purchased, the higher the chances of drawing a horse and becoming a ‘horse owner’. The number of horses in the race corresponds with the amount of tickets drawn. For example if there are 24 horses racing in the Melbourne Cup than 24 tickets will be pulled out of the barrel. Those who have their ticket drawn become the owner of that horse. Following the ticket draw each horse than goes up for auction and the person or syndicate with the winning bid becomes the new owner of that horse. The original owner of each horse receives 50 per cent of the auctioned value. The rest of the proceeds go into the ‘winning pool’. The original owners are also able to bid on their own horses, which may be appealing if the horse is favoured to run well. Once all of the horses are auctioned, the ‘winning pool’ is tallied and pre-set dividends are distributed to fourth place ($1,000), fifth place ($750) and last ($500). The remainder of the pool is allocated to first (70 per cent of the pool), second (20 per cent of the pool) and third prize (10 per cent of the pool). The favourites to win, including Fame Game and Trip to Paris, were the popular choices among Members, raking in high bidding numbers. However, it was the little known horse, Prince of Penzance, costing the syndicate a meagre $500 that rode into victory on the day. Making that particular syndicate a very happy bunch of gentlemen. MELBOURNE CUP CALCUTTA
Tattler Summer 2015
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