Spring All Wrapped Up!
Well that went truly so quickly! September and October came, and seemed like it just went again and before we know it we are at the end of Spring! Yes 2017 is moving a truly rapid pace! It only feels like yesterday that I was sitting on the plane back to Brisbane after what was a phenomenal weekend spent back in the sunny FNQ with sore cheeks, sore feet, new friends and a little heart that has been filled with even more gratitude for simply having some beautiful people in my life.
Milva Carucci Designs has had an exciting and busy few months with some incredible new and loyal MCD customers truly exceeding all fashionista levels and taking racing fashion by storm. They have collected numerous sashes, Top 10 finishes though most importantly was a chance for every amazing client to look and feel amazing! Having a custom fit, one off outfit is more then just fabric, a dress or an ensemble; it is a creator of opportunities and the expression of true individuality!
We had the official start of spring on September 1st with Cairns Amateurs Ladies Day. The Cairns Amateurs Racing Carnival is truly a highlight for FNQ as far as the perfect way to combine fashion, horse racing and plenty of fun with friends! Cairns Amateurs is renowned for bright colours, pushing the envelope a little with fashion trends and also having fun with the 2 day racing carnival.
The theme this year was ‘Colours of the Reef’ which truly invited fashionistas from all over the country to bring their brightest foot forward! The Major prize for Best Dressed Lady was a trip for two to Hong Kong, so truly incredible!
Ladies Day was spent in true gal pal style! Having fellow FOTF enthusiast Sophie, Carle join both myself and mum, it was honestly one of the best girl’s day out! All frocked up, having an amazing day of fashions and celebrating life and few lucky win’s on the ponies!
My outfit is another one of my faves! Channelling the bright colours that is on trend this spring and also a slight nod to the ‘Colours’ of the Reef theme, this gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana inspired apple print fabric was super fun and screaming tropical FNQ and Cairns Amateurs. With a new Milva Carucci Designs style using the spring trend off the shoulder and lady like frill this bright dress was so much fun to wear!
Complete with an amazing abstract piece by Allport Millinery that was referencing an apple peel, this headpiece was incredible and surely a standout in white and red.
Milva was also wearing a new season flounce skirt dress in a classic monochrome colour palette complete with an amazing Allport Millinery piece.
Absolutely incredible way to kick off the first day of the spring racing calendar!
Saturday 2nd was Cairns Amateurs Day though also the main race day at Birdsville Races. Complete contrasts between sunny and warm FNQ and the dust and fun out in Central Queensland. The best part about racing fashion is truly the emphasis that anyone can have the perfect outfit for any occasion!
Enjoying the festivities of Cairns Amateurs, the Italian Carnival style was where inspiration was drawn for my amazing Dolce and Gabbana ‘Ferris Wheel’ Dress. With a bold print and a subtle turban, this is one of my favourite outfits. Somewhat simplistic yet a pattern dress really can allow the fabric to do all the talking! Finished off with a white bamboo ‘Summer Nights’ clutch from Best Dressed Accessories.
Along with another MCD client Danni, pictured below in her striped horse print dress. we both made Top 10 for the Under 30's category.
A few more gorgeous client's enjoying the races in FNQ!
So amongst all the outback fun, there is always one glamour! Kacey is not stranger to the track though my gosh did she bring standout pizazz to Birdsville! Who knew someone could look this incredible in our Princess Poppy after getting ready in a 2 man tent! Yes ladies it is possible! This amazing piece was from our Spring Collaboration with Allport Millinery and The Opulent Lifestyle Collective.
See more of the amazing outfits worn by Milva Carucci Design customers! Country races to Myer State Finals, the last couple of months have certainly been a busy one!
Gorgeous ladies in their custom outfits at country races!
Never to young to express your individual style!
Stunning client's sashed, making the finals and simply encompassing amazing fashion at any age!
Captured here by Wendell Teodoro at Coogee Pavilion for the NSW Myer State Final.
Melbourne Spring Racing carnival kicked off with Derby Day and some of the gorgeous clients both in Melbourne and country races looking incredible in black and white ensembles!
Both Courtney and myself in Melbourne for Cup Day! Courtney making it through to the preliminary finals in the Fashion on the Field.
Oaks Day fun in Melbourne!
How incredible do all of these ladies look? Popping in a vision of spring colours!
I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to all of these amazing women! How you have put your outfits together, combining the talent of amazing milliners and accessories to perfection, sash winner, finalist or not, you all truly allow MCD to shine!
Finishing off this blog, both mum and I are planning on something exciting in the next month. Perfect for spring time polo, relaxed racing and ahead of 2018 Magic Millions!
For all of your Melbourne Cup carnival wrap up in detail, pop over to The Opulent Lifestyle Collective and follow to stay up to date!
Kerrie x
ALL 'THE CHUTE' ACTION FOR THE NEW QUEEN OF THE TRACK
To experience the roar from thousands of Winx fans wooing with all encouragement that simply made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, gave you goosebumps and made your cheeks sore from smiling so hard. I was in complete ore of such a beautiful four legged creature storming down the home straight effortlessly after cruising in the back of the pack. A true reminder of what starts as something small can truly end great!
Always having a strong desire to one day to fashionably frolick and experience the Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival, this year I decided to head down to The Fashion Chute presented by theraces.com.au in conjunction wtih the Australian Turf Club to take part in the newly replaced non-traditional Fashions on the Field competition.
The Sydney Autumn Carnival is broken up between 5 different race days spread over both Rosehill and Royal Randwick race tracks. WIth the first four days all selecting 8 finalists from each day of photographs to then be part of The Final on Longines Queens Elizabeth Stakes - Day 2 of the Championships on Saturday 8th April. The Fashion on the Field competition has stepped away from the traditional entry routine to bring a 'photographic' capture and entry analogy. Being the first time exposed to this style of fashions on the field competition myself, I will admit I wasn't sure how it would work. Though upon reflection and like any situation it presents both it's pros and cons as the digital age is truly molding the future.
What was shaping up to be the perfect Sydney day in autumn with blue skies, a gentle cool breeze, it really was an amazing day to be at the track.
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
THE FASHION CHUTE
Upon arrive, The Fashion Chute itself was amazing! Gorgeous, interment and a beautifully styled marquee that encompassed Longines signature colours though also be blooming with a feminine, pastel setting. On entry to the venue you have the opportunity to have your photograph taken by a professional photographer which is then uploaded with your details and that is your entry.
From that image (mine is pictured below), amongst all the others from that day, 8 finalists will be chosen by a panel of fashion forward judges to proceed to the finals. Once your photo as been taken and you are all entered, you are free to leave the area to enjoy some of the day's fun racing activities and if you successfully make it through to the shortlist, you will get a phone call or a text message with the wonderful information in a couple of hours.
The final award was judged by a panel of esteemed judges including Edwina McCann, Editor-in-Chief at Vogue Australia; designers Alexandra and Genevieve Smart from Ginger and Smart; Nerida Winter, the Official Milliner to the Australian Turf Club; and Robert Carroll from The Strand Hatters.
With Queen Elizabeth Stakes as a bit of a theme direction that I had form the begging, I wanted to create a look that was a showstopper, something that was classic though also a little fashion forward yet still sophisticated and stylish.
My entry photograph at The Fashion Chute
Image: theraces.com.au
The Dress
The concept of the dress had been in the works a couple of months in advance. After sourcing some amazing Italian brocade from overseas late last year, I knew that this was a piece I could foresee to bringing the overall theme together. Mum and I call it 'Regina' - Italian for queen, which to me seemed fitting for Day 2 of the Championships.
Having quite a wow factor and bold print with subsequent detailing and the perfect complimentary colour palette, this seemed perfect for a very classic style. Together we decided upon a classic off the shoulder style dress that for me is one of my all time favourite's though most importantly suits my body shape perfectly.
Adding in a statement bell sleeve complete with a black chiffon contrast allowed the outfit to have flow though also giving a slight nod to the fan feature in the pattern. As usual mum did a phenomenal job on executing my vision and again allowing the perfect custom fit!
The Millinery
My amazing fascinator was an incredible matt and patent black custom flower halo crown by Sophie at Allport Millinery. This incredible woman just gets me! She can see my vision, provide expert advice though also produces the most phenomenal workmanship!
We decided on this style to allow simplistic drama to the outfit with again consciously tying in the fan and symmetry of the fabric
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
Styling
To me this is ultimately one of my favourite though can also be the most stressful part of an outfit! Accessories are the finishing touches and the 'touchy feely' part of the outfit that truly bring your entire look together or can simply make it clash.
I went with a black tassel detailed clutch from Colette, black tassel earrings (my fav) and other jewellery from Lovisa; a beautiful italian gold bracelet from Florence (gift from my parent's trip) and finished off with classic, patent stiletto heels by Tony Bianco.
My look was completed with a sleek low bun for the Halo piece to sit neatly in and the very talented Greer from Miss Moss Makeup did an amazing job on my makeup!
Something I love about racing fashion is being able to execute an entire collective look; my aim is to always be sophisticated and look 'well put together'.
Details
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
THE FINISHING POST
With so many phenomenal outfits on the day, I was enthralled to have a phonecall from the organisers informing that I had been chosen as one of the Top 3 in the Longines Prize of Elegance! This is chosen by the reputable associations with Longines on an outfit with style and sophistication, everything their brand stands for. Such an honour to be chosen for such a prestigious finishing to then be told whilst lining up that I had also been chose as one of the Selected 8 from the Day 2 of the Championshps!
Just incredible!
The final 32 across the four days, both men and women all went up in heats for then the judging panel chose the Top 10.
I was soo estactic when they called my number! Being up there with so many amazingly put together outfits was just incredible!
Longines Prize of Elegance Top 3
Middle - Oliviva Moor (winner)
Right - Dimity Vanderpot
image: On Track On Trend
Longines Prize of Elegance Top 3
Middle - Oliviva Moor (winner)
Right - Dimity Vanderpot
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
Top 10 of The Fashion Chute
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
Kash (second from the right) Overall Winner of The Fashion Chute
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel
Image: theraces.com.au
It really was such an incredible weekend! Meeting some amazing new faces, catching up with old friends and really what is better then a day at the track surrounded by amazing fashion, good company, champagne and fun!
For now, it is planning Seven's Brisbane Racing Carnival and also the anticipated launch of something super exciting that together with Milva Carucci Designs I have been collaborating on!
If you aren't already following @milva.carucci.designs or @kerriecarucci_ on instagram, this is where all the sneak peaks will be taking place!
Stay tuned!
Kerrie xx
SCORCHING STYLE STAKES & MAGIC CLASHES
A month on and ironically South East Queensland is suffering from the exact extreme scorching heatwave conditions as we had at the Gold Coast Magic Million Races on January 14th!
East coast Australian's have almost become accustomed to shedding liters of 'sparkliness' on the daily for what feels like one of the longest, hottest summer's to date!
For those who haven't attended the Gold Coast delight of the annual Magic Mllions Races, it is a week of filled with festivities celebrating the burst of colour, fashion fun and one of the richest races in Australia! I'm sure those who did attend, enjoyed all that this Myer Fashions on the Field Queensland State Final event and all that it encompasses for a great day at the track even in the 38 degree plus heat!
Crazy! Yes some would say! Those type of conditions can only be reasoned with by spending the day in a pool, quick trip to Antarctica or simple 18 degree air con and Netflix. Though for the keen racing fashion fashionista's and punters the glistening brows were simple taken in everyone's stiletto stride!
Being the Queensland State final for Myer FOTF and a chance to take out the major title to represent our amazing home state at the Melbourne Cup Carnvial, this reign isn't taken lightly nor is the $30,000 worth of prizes! Outfits are planned months in advance and the bar is being raised every year by the standard of eye catching show stopping outfits!
THE OUTFIT
My outfit was inspired by an Italian 'La Dolce Vita' feel encapsulating colour, print clashes and boldness. Knowing fair well what the Gold Coast reputation of racing fashion is like, I preceded to scour the internet, fabric stores until finally I came across the amazing off-shore replica Dolce and Gabbana fabric. I actually fell in love! It was bold, had an amazing colour palette and also perfect weight for the style I had in mind!
A multitude of sketches later, Mum and I had confirmed a style. The fun/difficult part was just about to begin! Being an unusual panelled piece of fabric with varying widths of pattern, Mum worked her magic to create the perfectly matched up, print clash to create a streamlined, eye catching piece. Opting for an open neckline to allow space between the colour blocks and a flounce feature of the skirt complete with contrasting varied geometric prints to break the dominate floral.
The Headpiece
Having such a talented milliner and friend in your life means ALOT! I'm sure all of Sophie's clients would agree that she just 'gets you' and understands what you are trying to achieve.
After seeing the fabric and sketches we worked on tying the look all together. Opting for a new shape of an Italian vibe halo, in words of Sophie 'it reminded her of the stained glass artwork in the Italian churches' and I couldn't' agree more!
This was such an easy piece to wear, comfortable and light while having some impact. The colour and combination of roses with geometric
The accessories
With such an abundance of prominent colour throughout the fabric, I decided to try and keep the accessories as simple as possible though to playfully add texture. This was through a gorgeous pair of tassel earrings and also a pair of orange fringed tie up heels. A simple red clutch, minimal jewellery and the outfit was complete!
Print clash fun in a sneak peak flatlay
The outfit in it's entirety! Would have to be my favourite to date!
Image - Wendell Levi Teodoro
Sophie & I - both wearing custom made Milva Carucci Design outfits and Allport Millinery
Image - Allport Millinery
Sophie looking an absolute print clash vision in her custom Milva Carucci Designs outfit and pushing the boundaries in her gorgeous Kisses headpiece!
Image - Allport Milinery
Off and racing
Ashley making Top 10 in the Men's Fashion. Wearing Myer brands Politx and Jeffery Banks
Styled by me
Image - Allport Millienery
The ladies! Nothing better then a fashion fun day at the track with gorgeous friends! Gorgeous Carly (right) made the Top 10 in her gorgeous outfit and own millinery piece!
image - Ross Stevenson
Despite the heat and no luck in fashons, it was a super fun day catching up with friends, having a punt and making the most of Queensland racing!
As we approach the change of season's there is still a couple of race days left. For those last minute outfits with just a couple of more weeks left of Summer you can create a 'moment' when you step out in any of these gorgeous ready to wear range outfits. Having them custom fitted will allow you to look and feel amazing!
For now the planning is underway for Autumn/Winter Carnivals! Watch this space for a trend report straight from the runway's of fashion week!
Kerrie xx
FLEMINGTON, FASHION & MELBOURNE'S BIGGEST WEEK - SPRING CARNIVAL 2016 wrap up
We came, we GIPHY'd, we sipped champagne & rode the Flemington Ferris Wheel
I'm sure most of you are feeling the 'festive season flutter' now the warmer months are truly are upon us here in Queensland, the days are getting longer and the social calendars are filling fast!
The delay for this wrap up is in light of the absolute perpetual fatigue following the epic lead up to the week, results of the truly amazing time we all had and the sultry weekend conditions on arrival back into HOT Brisbane! It's safe to say that say that Melbourne got us good! An absolutely fantastic week indulging in some amazing quality family time, a few too many Brunetti's treats, fabric sourcing, fashion and of course some amazing race day fun with friends! And for the record, anyone looking at going to the Spring Carnival next year, get yourself to THE PARK! Honestly one of the best set ups I've ever seen! Amazingly themed, areas, food stalls, numerous bars, entertainment was next level and the little touches like cute GIPHY booths and custom illustrations were aplenty!
The new and improved 'The Park' where we hung out for the Spring Carnival
Treats were a plenty! Ohh Brunetti's
When we first booked flights and accommodation all the way back in May on what would be one of the BIGGEST bucket list items of mine, it seemed like it was soo far away with plenty of time to plan all things racing fashion! How mistaken was I!
For those who are only new on the racing fashion scene or have watched from afar, Melbourne is the PINNACLE of Australian Racing Fashion! Being the most prestigious event of the year, the race that literally stops the nation, naturally comes international beauties, show stopping millinery and some beyond amazingly styled outfits! Collating outfits for the 3 main race days is a fashionista's dream though also somewhat a stressful, STRESSFUL venture. It's not just about the bags, shoes, outfits, millinery, hairdressers appointments, getting in and out of cabs, ubers or public transport with handcrafted masterpieces on your head all the while ensuring you don't sink on the grass......
It's the months of planning, sketching, Sunday's spent fabric sourcing, stalking runways for inspiration, more sketches, a GIZZILON picture messages back and forth (think my running total with mum is around 5,000) hahah, building the 'looks' that you want to achieve. Now for the part that you don't truly consider when you are all 'warm & fuzzy' with your outfit choices, have shed blood, sweat and tears conjuring them up and are soooo emotionally invested in the certainty that you have nailed the perfection combination of current trends, palettes though of course with your own twist.
You look amazing, feel amazing but then it happens.....
(WARNING - Style and fashion is an art. Like any art it's always up for interpretation)
The judging panel and their solitude racing fashion opinion on the day is simple:
• May not like pink
• May not be comfortable with textural clashing
• May not like the way you pose
• May be over seeing bell sleeves
• May not like crowns
• May be thinking about the delicious espresso martini's they will have later in the birdcage
You can see a bit of a trend here? So really throwing out a bit of a bold statement, though unless they are ex-national finalists of previous fashions on the field, winners, racing fashion influencer's or milliner's within the industry then there is subsequent amount of variables. When you're literally wearing a little bit of your heart on 'your sleeve' it can be a bit of a blow to your fashionista ego not even make it through to the next round. Something to be mindful of and THE most important thing to remember is that it's just one person's opinion. Though I'm sure any contestant will agree, it's a dam good feeling having your number called out and better yet to be SASHED!
To the outfits
Milva Carucci Designs was represented not only for the first time on custom pieces worn by myself though also mum and a few stunning clients! For mum that was a fantastic achievement in itself to have her workmanship in amongst the best!
DERBY DAY
The first official day of Spring Carnival renowned for black and white and classic styles! Well Melbourne certainly delivered! An amazing, blue sky day, pleasurable temperature and being a Saturday it certainly brings Melbourne-ites out of hiding!
My Derby Day outfit started with some gorgeous textural brocade patent look fabric sourced a few months ago from The Fabric Store in Brisbane. Wanting something classic with clean, structured lines, mum and I decided to use a similar style from what I wore earlier in the year.
The ever amazing and talented Sophie of Allport Millinery worked her magic to create the perfect complementary piece! Deciding to go with the large off white texture sinamay disc allowed the outfit to have a little mystery though also a suttle statement. Shoes by Divaolina provided the clean lines and patent feel to be continued and additionally a hexagon shaped Olga Berg Clutch.
Mum's dress was a gorgeous fluted collar and bell sleeve combination in an offwhite and black contrast Josh Goot fabric also sourced from The Fabric Store. A custom piece by Liana of Sonlia Fashion added texture and femininity to the outfit.
I didn't have any luck in making it through the heats that day though we had a good day on the punt and enjoyed the hospitality and 'Park' vibes of Day 1!
Between the arches of The Park
Mum and I enjoying the first day of fashion and race day fun
Both wearing custom Milva Carucci Design dresses & Sonlia Millinery (L) and Allport Millinery (R)
(Photo by Liana Hastie)
MELBOURNE CUP DAY
The race that stops the nation! Though also brings some amazing, unusual and showstopping pieces to the track! There were giant feather mohawks, bright colour palettes and some colourful characters on display. Some even took the chance to strip down to their bright budgy smugglers to make the most of Melbourne's sunshine!
The idea behind this impart was just all about the focal point of the fabric. This was sourced a few years ago again from The Fabric store in Brisbane. A gorgeous textured polyester fabric that had the sweetest blue bird print. With blue being a large trend this year, I thought it would be only fitting to keep the style simple to let the fabric really sing and then pick up the subtle blue in the fabric in accessories and millinery. Another big trend this racing season has been the boater and seeing the work of Ann Shoebridge last year I decided to go with a custom lace brim boater. Accessories were simple with jewellery from Lovisa, shoes Tony Bianco and a Colette clutch.
Keeping with a bird theme, Mum's amazing outfit also had a statement print in a tonal blue palette also sourced from The Fabric Store. With a gorgeous simple style to allow the print do the talking, contrasted bell sleeves allowed a section of flow to her outfit. Again complemented by an eye catching millinery piece by Sonlia.
As the nerves were a little less on being the second day, I was absolutely wrapped to have made it through to the Prelim finals. From there all competitors go back to the green room for a champagne and await the next round. From up to 80 girls it is cut to the Top 10! It was an amazing experience and somewhat achievement to make it through! Though the true highlight was spending the day enjoying the races, espresso martini's,dancing to Betty Who and Marcia Hines though having so many lovely people in the crowd compliment me on my outfit that day! That's what fashion really is about, loving your outfit, owning your styling and having a good time!
Not only did I make it through to the prelims but so did another of mum's clients. The gorgeous, bubbly Leanne who's personality is a reflection of her amazing, bright and eye catching pink, purple and gold outfit! Was so lovely catching up with them!
Cassandra also wearing a custom Milva Carucci Designs dress and her own millinery creation opted for a gorgeous purple and orange number that caught the attention of many photographers and spectators!
Amanda wore a stunning emerald green fitted lace dress that had an amazing back detail!
CROWN OAKS DAY
Last day of the carnival is always the biggest! Unfortunately mum and dad had to fly out that morning so today was the last day to really enjoy Flemington! The State finals for Victoria with the winner going through to the National finals where the winner receives up to $300k in prizes including a new Lexus!!
My outfit was simple in style as once again the fabric did most of the talking. Taking inspiration from Self Portrait, Mum had sourced the fabric from spotlight and opting with a combination of off the shoulder and a gathered sleeve. Being the feminine themed day of the carnival, lace and pastels seemed too fitting. This was complemented by my stunning crown by Allport Millinery! The inspiration behind the outfit was simple, 'Some days you just need to wear a crown'.
Keeping accessories to rose gold, the simplistic palette was feminine yet metallic. Shoes from Target and my trusty Olga berg clutch. Again I was so very excited to have made it into the prelim finals! So many amazing outfits!
Following the announcement of the winner it was a swift trip back to the city to jump on a plane!! Which might I add we almost missed! Quite the adventure, running through Tullamarine airport juggling hat boxes, suitcases all the while still wearing the crown which for future reference WILL prove difficult when going through airport security!
On reflection, I think my choices stood true to my style, body shape and personal 'looks' I wanted to achieve, though moving forward, Melbourne is in a bag of it's own! It's all about pushing boundaries within limits, being noticed though not focal, being structured though fluid and on trend without trending. You can see how easily it is to sit in that sash worthy position! *chuckle worthy*
Wrapping up, I can say that this has been a HUGE tick on my bucket list, some amazing quality time with my family and fashionista friends is what makes moments like these in our lives memorable! It's really not about the shoes, bags, fascinators or sashes, it's truly about the time and people for all facets of life that you surround yourself in these beautiful memories.
Absolutely bursting with gratitude the last couple of months preparation and wanted to take a moment to truly thank those involved with bringing my visions to life. To the ever talented Sophie of Allport Milinery thank you for simply creating such amazing pieces! Ann Shoebridge my blue boater is certainly now a favorite in my collection, thank you for letting those little birds fly!
But last but not least is my amazing and uber talented mum, words can't express how grateful and in oar I am of you and your amazing seamstress skills! I know I'm possibly your most difficult client though you never cease to amaze me!
P.S. If you're still reading, thanks for clicking the link! Your support to myself though most importantly my amazing Mum's brand is truly appreciated! Between us both, there is more creative inspiration then the walls of Chanel!
2017 is promised to be an exciting one with many plans on 'THE LIST". To stay up to date and in the know on sneak peaks, new fabrics and collections, make sure you subscribe and follow us on social media! Links are below.
Kerrie xox
