The Dress Behind The Sash

Kerrie Carucci wearing her winning custom Milva Carucci Designs dress
image: Taylor Kezia

Where it all begins…. 

Like most of my amazing one off, custom dresses that I'm so fortunate to make for both my daughter and my other valued clients, it always starts with a simple idea.
What appears insignificant at the time, it could be in the form of something in nature, a signature style from decades before, a particular colour palette, a piece of fabric, a theme or perhaps an element of inspiration straight off the European runway.

For me personally, as a creative, designer and dressmaker, the most rewarding part of my job is having the ability to converse with my client's far and wide and taking on their individual requirements, ideas and bringing them to life with a beautiful customised outfit concept.  The perfect combination of design, fabric and fit, allows the execution and end result of every woman having something unique just for them. 

Kerrie came to me with a design, concept and elements of inspiration of how she envisioned her final look to be for Brisbane Racing Club Tab Stradbroke Day. With a theme of black, white and a touch of red - this in it's own element can be interpreted in so many varying combinations, though as a stylist and a stickler for having 'an attention to detail' - Kerrie had a concise idea of where she wanted her outfit to be - Feminine, elegant, classic though being a simplistic statement.

 Inspired by elements of 1980's, Prada's latest collection and some incredible trends showing up in the royal family, this dress really started with the unique houndstooth print fabric. Where most houndstooth patterned fabrics are usually found in heavier and structured composition, though this soft georgette (soft flowing) was perfect for the feminine and elegant outcome that we wanted to achieve. From the flowing sleeves, pleated skirt details and feminine lines the fabric was the hero for this dress.  

 When creating a concept and design, distance can sometimes be testing as like 80% of my clients, they are in varied locations across Australia and New Zealand. Bringing the importance of having the correct individual measurements in the first instance so I can ensure the design and fit can be tailored just to them. The beautiful benefit of working with my regular clients is forming an appreciation of their personal style, body shape and elements that can explored in different outfit styles.

Kerrie not only did me as her mum though also her dressmaker so incredibly proud on executing a beautifully styled and balanced look. Complimenting her dress with a gorgeous and on trend 3d head band by Martina McGrath and some staple accessories, it was certainly a beautiful and sash worthy look!

 Working with my client's to create a beautiful one- off, customised outfit is a conscious effort to really embrace the hand to heart movement and showcase the emphasis on sustainability in the fashion industry. I like to work with my client's to create unique and loving pieces that in affect brings the craftmanship and individuality that we are experiencing as the movement in consumer behaviours is progressing. 

If you’re interested in making a conscious decision to have your next special occasion piece to truly bring an individual and unique moment for you, I would love to chat further about your outfit requirements.

The Winners

Image - Brisbane Racing Club

FASHION IS IN THE EYE OF THE PEN HOLDER

By Kerrie Carucci
The Opulent Lifestyle Collective

Welcome and hello! It has in fact been quiet sometime between guest articles here on Milva Carucci Designs though I’m so excited and honoured to be back.

What has been some extremely busy times for both myself at The Opulent Lifestyle Collective and also my incredibly talented mum Milva, I would love to just stop and take a moment to recap as we move into the later part of 2018. 
 

Not only has there been many Fashions on the Field (FOTF) wins from some incredible client’s wearing their custom made, Milva Carucci Designs (MCD) outfits, it is more so about every single valued client being given the opportunity to express themselves and allowing their inner magic to shine through. Both mum and I have put into action an incredible service alliance that we are not only excited about though quite passionate in allowing our industry knowledge to make an even greater impact. 
 

‘Your Custom Style’ allows you to take part in a full style consultation service with myself, taking the findings of your personal style and completing your look with a custom made piece or pieces made by Milva to create the perfect individual particular occasion or simply building your wardrobe of incredible staples. 

Watch this space as we continue to develop and plan some incredible opportunities to allow all women the chance to truly be the best version of themselves. 

A few of the many incredible outfits that have been created over the past few months!

Now, before we jump right into business, you may be thinking what is implied by this mysterious title?  Well I must give you fair warning of how this blog will be taking shape and also divulge the intention behind it. 
 

As a fierce competitor of Fashions on the Field for many years, a woman, a devoted fashion addict and a personal stylist all these different roles all encapsulate varying components of experience, knowledge and of course personal opinion. 

This week following the recent announcement of the new format that Myer will adopt for the national finalist’s of the Fashions on the Field arena for this year’s Spring Carnival, changes the way that competitors will navigate through the monumental annual event. Traditionally FOTF has been undertaken primarily via a catwalk type format where a panel of judges would choose from heats into preliminary finals, top ten and then announcing the winner or top 3. We have seen a slight integration of the photo submission type format previously with Australian Turf Club Fashion Chute configuration held at Royal Randwick though not at a state level. As we move into this new format where a selection of 3 images will be used of each entrant for submission, I personally believe there is even greater requirement for transparency of your personal style and attention to detail!

I love this incredible quote by the famous stylist  Rachel Zoe, 

‘Style is a way of communicating without having to speak’

The clothes we wear and the combinations we choose daily, says a lot about how we communicate with ourselves, whether that’s directly in the mirror or subconsciously; though most importantly how we communicate with others.

What I have seen first hand with both my valued clients and myself is the internal transformation that occurs when they put on something that speaks from a place that is the ‘real’ them, fits and flatters in all the right places that creates beautiful lines and illustrates, like a piece of art, a secret message and delight that can only be translated by the sparkle that is deep in their eyes. 

Pretty incredible right? 

Maybe you haven’t’ thought about it in that particular way or perhaps that has never even crossed your mind? 

Though here comes the elephant in the room. 

Something I have seen and personally experienced along with I’m sure the majority of Fashions on the Field competitors. The hours of planning, perhaps making your own outfit, designing, sourcing, working out your own personal style, adapting that knowledge to fit the particular theme or season, to have an outfit you love and yet someone doesn’t see the same and ultimately your time on stage in the arena is over in the blink of an eye. In, around and straight out!

On the other side of the judges table or captured photographs (in this new space), it may not be as well received like you may have liked and that being the reality of the ‘Fashion is in the Eye of the Pen Holder’. 

Sheer disappointment and deflation can be felt and arguable this is the definition of it truly not just being all about the sash. What it is about is, being recognised as you for you and in the best version of being authentically you!

It’s completely natural to have the thoughts of…… 

How can this be so? 

We question if the judges have something against you personally? 

Do they just hate your outfit? 

Are they just not a fan of red? 

Did you not interpret the correct seasonal trend? 

Did they miss the memo of the judging guidelines of the day? Or perhaps they have no idea what they are really looking for? 

All of these are valid questions and expressions of concern which I’m sure I’m speaking to you, the valued reader and no doubt one of the majority who have competed or participate frequently in Fashions on the Field competitions. 

That somewhat magic that you were sure you created simply hasn’t translated over? Though let me explain a little more in depth as to why. 

Did you know that recent studies have shown that the human psyche takes less than 3.5 seconds to make a judgement of a circumstance or situation that is presented to it? Furthermore, as we navigate into a faster paced society filled with social media, scrolling on our devices and flashing billboard advertisements it is only going to decrease further! Therefore, presenting a greater emphasis now to ensure you, as an individual, allow yourself to be perceived the way you anticipate though also leave a lasting impression. 
 

That being said, a large indicating factor on how we as humans interact and interpret information. Fashion is a form of art so therefore is subjective to opinion though also the real reason behind varying opinions is something that runs at a cellular level. 
 

We process information with a little something called our 'Reticular Activating System'. This mechanism works in our brain and often referred to as a filter or a nightclub bouncer that works for your brain. It makes sure your brain doesn't have to deal with more information than it can handle. Thus, the reticular activating system plays a big role in the sensory information you perceive daily.

Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to stripes? Or lusting over certain colours combinations? 

Possibly wondered when you’re out shopping and on the hunt for a particular item, red dress, you can sometimes miss the perfect black or blue dress? 

That is the result of our RAS. 

So let’s look at this in a FOTF scenario, with a stage line up of 10 gorgeously dressed women, all expressing themselves individually; flooding the panel of judges with the panorama collecting a kaleidoscope of colours, textures, patterns, trend pieces, gorgeous millinery, flawless makeup, sassy yet confident attitude, gleaming smiles and varying interpretations of the particular theme. Now, envision when you were last in a club or highly impacting lighting scenario such as a concert or similar and think back to what your eyes would do.....

Struggling to take on so much varying information? 
Darting from colour to colour?
Yet you would subconsciously grab onto something that was familiar or you have seen regularly. Perhaps a favourite colour, a colour you are already wearing or something you have seen frequently in your day to day actions. 
Now we understand why the face of most judges is a state of sheer overwhelm? Right? 

My intention for this article was to shed some light, provide some clarification and possibly rhyme to the reason of some of the experiences you may have had. Honestly, I have also experienced these feelings of disappointment and questionability of my own personal style in the past. 
 

So how do we overcome this? Well we truly acknowledge all the points above and also proceed in the following manner. 

Dress for you to express you and your personal style. There is nothing as transparent as someone who is loving their outfit. By finding your true personal style that is going to allow you to have a roadmap to come back to daily though also build your fashions on the field outfits from a strong foundation, rather than trying to incorporate every single trend you are seeing from runway to Instagram. 

Acknowledge that your outfit may not always be received the way you intended it to. Though that does not make you any less stylish on less on trend. Remember RAS.  

Lastly, support others and their fashion choices! Yes, your fashion gang is a real thing! Remember as a competitor you also have an RAS so you also may not agree with the sash winner or what other people have put together though you also need to honour that all in the name of fashion! 

Stay tuned for the spring trend report that will be up next week on The Opulent Lifestyle Collective featuring some of our stunning pieces! 

Until next time! 

Yours in fashion 

Kerrie Carucci xx 

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 

View fullsize

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