Models at the Myer Autumn Winter 2013 Racewear Collection Preview in Walsh Bay / Pic: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph
Jennifer Hawkins and Laura Dundovic / Pic: Tim Hunter Source: The Daily Telegraph
Samantha Harris for David Jones. Source: The Daily Telegraph
THE race to glam up Sydney's Autumn Racing Carnival got under way Tuesday as Myer and David Jones went head-to-head in the million dollar fashion stakes.
In the first designer showdown, both department stores launched their autumn/winter racing wear, with some of Australia's leading models to showcase the latest trends.
Myer held a stand-alone launch at The Bar At The End of The Wharf in Walsh Bay while David Jones' presentation was part of the Sydney Carnival launch at Centennial Park.
Traditionally held within a few weeks of each other, having them just hours apart put a spotlight on the offerings.
Jennifer Hawkins and Laura Dundovic joined a host of other Myer models to show off trends from designers such as Arthur Galan, Jayson Brunsdon and Nicola Finetti.
Winter florals, leather, lace and peplums were all featured looks.
"Every time I see women in lace, I think it's feminine and sexy. It shows just enough skin," said Hawkins.
David Jones had Samantha Harris and Louise Van De Vorst model outfits by Dion Lee and Lisa Ho.
General manager of footwear and accessories at David Jones Damian Burke said revealing their key looks at the official launch of the BMW Sydney Carnival made for a stronger event.
"We partnered together with Racing NSW to present today," he said. "I think it was a very strong and cohesive launch."
Myer's general manager of public relations Steve Carey said the clashing launch date was a coincidence.
"We sent out a save-the-date three weeks ago," he said. "It was pure coincidence, but I'm glad we were first."
The Sydney BMW Carnival, from March 23 to April 27, is the showpiece of the state's racing calendar featuring 49 Group and Listed races and $20 million in prizemoney.
Hosting the world's richest race for two-year-olds, Sydney's jewel in the crown is the $3.5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes and $2.25m BMW, both at Rosehill, while the AJC Derby, Doncaster Mile and Sydney Cup will be the feature races at Randwick.
ROS REINES HANDS DOWN HER VERDICT:
It was Glamour Tuesday in Sydney with the city swamped in racing finery with not one but two autumn racing launches being held just one hour apart.
Myer's Autumn Winter Racewear Preview was at Dawes Point starting at 11am, while the BMW Carnival Launch was at midday at Centennial Park. Attending both was a geographical nightmare and not to be attempted in regulation glamour issue - skyscraper heels. After all, it's not only hard to run in heels but you can also become marooned in the grass, which is not a good look as any seasoned race goer would know.
Myer was kidding, right? The department store's chosen venue was The Bar At The End Of The Wharf, which is such a good trek from the entrance that you almost have to take a bottle of water along in case you become dehydrated.
Myer's drawcard was a fashion show starring Myer Ambassador and Australia's Next Top Model host, Jennifer Hawkins and the sublimely beautiful Laura Dundovic.
With the sun streaming into the open terrace, festooned with flowers and the Harbour Bridge twinkling in the background after a rainy start to the day, it was a picture perfect setting.
Guests included designers Arthur Galan, Nicola Finetti, , Jayson Brunsdon, Fleur Wood, and Matthew Eager, milliners Kerrie Stanley and Ann Shoebridge, along with super WAGS Lynette Bolton and Tara O'Keefe.
I had less than half an hour to mingle and to admire Hawkin's toned form and Dundovic's stunning Aurelio Costarella's ensemble during "the fashion moment'' before I had to try and high tail it to Centennial Park. Drinking a fortifying flute of French champagne and munching on a canape was out of the question especially because I was driving myself to both events. (Trying to convince a taxi driver to park outside with the meter running, was unfortunately not an option)).
By 11.40 I was jogging along the very long corridor from the Wharf Bar to reach the roadway. I went the backway through the city, avoiding most of the traffic hot spots, feeling like a character in The Devil Wears Prada and made it to Centennial Park by 12.20.
A miracle.
While the Myer event may best be described as intimate, the BMW Racing Carnival Launch, which also showcased fashion from major sponsor, David Jones, was huge with live horses, jockeys, a horse statue, replica Randwick archways and a VIP guest in NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell.
Since it was impossible to park close to the action, I found myself jogging around the park again but thanks to Myer, I was already warmed up for this.
In the true style of lavish racetrack' entertaining suites there was a bar inside the restaurant glistening with golden goblets of Moet et Chandon and art directed canapes, while guests including David Jones ambassadors, Emma Freedman, Gai Waterhouse and Samantha Harris, along with Seven's Edwina Bartholomew, plus girlie pack, Zoe Balbi, Samantha Jade and Casey Burgess enjoyed the sunshine.
The atmosphere was well, racey and fun - almost like being at Randwick on one of those key days but thanks to the rush, I was too hyped up to enjoy it.
My respectful tip to my hosts is that by the time that spring racing rolls around again, they should try to hold events on different days and ration that glamour overload. There is only so much that Sydney can take in one day.
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