Cherished clients,

     So much has been happening in the last 3 months and I have lots to tell you.

ALEXANDRA’S WEDDING

     On the evening of the 29th September, the beautiful and talented Alexandra Harper married solicitor Michael Wilkinson at Restaurant Two overlooking the Botanical Gardens. Alex was breathtaking in a beaded cream chiffon Collette Dinnigan gown, and naturally she made her own headpiece. It was a very stylish wedding with most of the guests, including the Hat Box milliners, wearing a cocktail hat, at Alexandra’s request.

     The French champagne flowed, the award-winning chef’s cuisine was exquisite and the speeches the funniest and wittiest I’ve heard in a long time. Long life and happiness to the very much in love couple.

MYER/VRC FASHIONS ON THE FIELD STATE FINAL

     The Victoria Racing Club’s fashion femmes arrived in town on Saturday 13 October, but unfortunately due to equine influenza, the competition was unable to be held at Eagle Farm Racecourse. However, Myer came to the rescue, setting up the Fashion Department with little tables and umbrellas and serving champagne and canapés to the invited guests.

    We judges certainly had our work cut out for us as it was an extremely tight contest. The entrants had set the bar high and there were quite a few outstanding ensembles. After much discussion we settled on Lauren Walker to take first place. Lauren herself designed her striking black and white jacket and black silk skirt and her feathered headpiece was made by Patricia Balmer. Lauren was placed third last year and was over the moon to win this year.

     Second prize winner, Ashley Robson, wore a striking cream dress and black and cream hat, both designed and made by her grandmother, Sandra Robson. Sandra’s creations are no strangers to Fashions on the Field competitions as they have won all of the major prizes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast over the last few years.

     Third prize-winner, Monique Collins, wore a towering headpiece made by her sister Minette, a consistent Fashion winner all over Australia. Her younger sister is now showing that same winning style.     

     Lauren’s prize as Queensland winner includes an all expenses paid week at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, attending all of the VRC functions and racedays.

WOMEN IN RACING PRE-MELBOURNE CUP LUNCH

     A few days later, Joe McGrath of the VRC brought the Melbourne Cup to town for the citizens of Brisbane to admire at various functions. Fortunately for us racing women, Jennie Bartels and Baslyn Beel, Directors of Women in Racing Inc. were able to snag the Cup as a special guest at their annual pre-cup lunch at Tattersalls Club.

     Sheila Laxon, trainer of Ethereal who won the Melbourne Cup in 2003, was the guest speaker. Refreshingly candid and down-to-earth, Sheila had us all in stitches with her witty observations.

     I compered the fashion parade from The Hat Box, modelled by my daughter Fleur Thompson, Reginia Goode and new bride Alexandra Harper. The girls also paraded some serious bling from Hardy Bros. (the makers of the Melbourne Cup) – more than a million dollars worth of diamonds!

Models Reginia Goode, Fleur Thompson holding Melbourne Cup & Alex Harper


Ladies at the Hat Box Table

OAKS CLUB LUNCH at CROWN, MELBOURNE

     I remained reasonably abstemious on Cup Day as next morning my long-suffering husband and I boarded a 7am flight for Melbourne. Due to daylight saving we only had just enough time to check in to our hotel, change into my gladrags and cab it to Crown Casino for the Oaks Club lunch.

     It was my first time at this function and was blown away by the sight of 1,700 beautifully dressed women – all wearing hats. As usual, there was a Queensland contingent including Sandra Robson, Kerrina King, Margaret Lenehan, Minette Collins and Lauren and Desley Walker.

      Over lunch we were serenaded by the velvet-voiced Patrizio Buanne who kissed hands and handed out flowers to his female fans who thronged the stage – and yes, I was one of them, but only to take a photo of course! The Palladium at Crown certainly knows how to put on a party and I’ll definitely be back.

CROWN OAKS DAY

     Oaks Day dawned gloriously warm and sunny as we headed off to Flemington to enjoy a fun-filled day in the Myer Fashion Enclosure. It’s a great place to catch up with all of the southern milliners. Chatted with the lovely Neil Grigg and his young apprentice Jessica Macken who was thrilled that the NSW Fashion Finalist Cleo Mitchell, wearing one of her creations, was placed second overall.

     Also mingled with Peggy Stone of The Hat Magazine UK and one of my favourite people, the chirpy Kim Fletcher who in her own words was “stoked” when she won the millinery award for her “gold goddess” hat.

THE ROMA CUP

     Just over a week later, I was on the road to Roma to judge the Fashions on the Field at the Roma Cup and the Turf Club had planned an event-filled weekend for my husband and me. We met many of the friendly locals at Friday evening’s cocktail party and Calcutta at Bassett Park, including Club Secretary, Jackie Erickson and Sally Ferrier, wife of Club Chairman, Ranald Ferrier, both of whom made us very welcome.

      Cup day Saturday 17 October, being a little overcast, proved to be not as hot as everyone predicted which was a relief to all of the fashionably dressed ladies. After a delicious lunch in the Hall, hosted by Williams and Partners, Accountants, it was down to work for me and my co-judge, Fiona Edwards of Janine Edwards Boutique at the Marina Mirage, Gold Coast.

      Fashions on the Field Co-ordinator, Kate Gordon, ably advised us on categories and judging criteria. From the multitude of participants, we selected Anna James as Classic Racewear winner. Anna was a knockout in a vibrant red silk dress and bolero made by Kennedy and Forbes matched with a feather and straw cocktail hat by Phillip Rhodes. Runner-up Deborah Vaughn wore an ensemble in the always fashionable cream and black with a spotted hat in the same tones made by Alexandra Harper. Contemporary winner Jill Simmons, teamed a floral dress with a large brimmed tan hat and bronze metallic shoes.

      Best hat winner, Janelle Langton, wore a large brown hat, trimmed with feathers by milliner Meredith McMaster. The day attracted a huge crowd and it was great to see horses racing again in Queensland. Racing resumes in Brisbane on 1st December and I for one can’t wait!

     Will write again in the New Year. Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful clients. Ciao for now.

Dale