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 — 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

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'.

Detailsimage: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel — 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 Vanderpotimage: On Track On Trend — 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 Vanderpotimage: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel — 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 — Top 10 of The Fashion Chute
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel

Kash (second from the right) Overall Winner of The Fashion Chuteimage: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel — Kash (second from the right) Overall Winner of The Fashion Chute
image: Melissa Barnes of Racewear Carousel

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