The Transition of Millinery Racewear

Published 2011 | By Felicity Shield

The transition from hats to fascinators is the latest trend to appear for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival Season.

Fascinators dominated last year’s races but styles like the pill box and flat hat have become more popular.

Allison Triffett from Style Council spoke of the new trend, noting she believes there will be a return to the more traditional hat.

Triffett says the return to hats is because of their classic nature which contrasts the elaborate fascinators worn last year.

Monique Chan, Store Manager of the airport Mekoe, confirms bright colours are still an essential part of the perfect Spring Carnival outfit.

“You’re looking at quite a lot of the bold colours…everyone’s looking for reds.”

Alternatively, Chan found her customers were choosing masks of sheer material covering the eyes when looking for a uniquely themed piece that wasn’t a hat.

Australia’s most famous race, the Emirates Melbourne Cup race, is held on the first Tuesday of November every year.

Photogrpahy by Felicity Shield