In only her third live Fashion At The Races event, ladies winner, Anais Falzon was sashed the winner of the Oakbank Racing Club Easter Carnival.
We has a chat with Anais about the experience and the lead in to the Oakbank FATR event.
Tell us about your winning outfit. What were you wearing?
My dress was Never Fully Dressed. My felt hat was from a South Australian milliner Rose Piscioneri. Heels and clutch were from Jo Mercer, gloves were from Julie Herbet Millinery, and the gold jewelry was a mix of mine and my mums.
What process did you go through to plan and choose this ensemble?
The summer day-like weather at Oakbank meant I went for a lighter fabric dress whilst still adhering to Autumn trends with long sleeves, closed-toe heels, gloves in hand, and a felt and feather hat.
I actually started this outfit with the dress, funnily enough, I first saw it around six months ago and fell in love with it, reminding me of a jockey inspired print. Once it arrived I had the sudden urge to try it on back to front which I actually loved and it is how I wore it at Oakbank, creating a high neckline with a low scrunch detailed back.
From there I then chose to pull the blue from the print for my heels and gloves; and because of the bold blue elements, I wanted the clutch to be more neutral to tie back with the nude check in the dress. I worked with Rose to create a felt hat that would reflect the geometrics in the dress which is where the nude veiling came into it.
The feathers were also designed to represent a starburst mimicking the star print. I am very much a gold enthusiast so my five-point earrings were a perfect match to also compliment the star print.
What was your first racing event and how has your style evolved since?
I have only just recently started entering fashion on the field competitions, entering two in-person race days at Gawler and Strathalbyn, as well as an online competition for the Australian Turf Club for Championships Day 1. I would say my style is yet to evolve as I am only just starting out.
What are your favourite labels for racewear?
It is hard to choose one label as my favourite because I love to shop around and find brands that aren’t always easily accessible or popular here. I can never go past any sale either.
Tell us about your makeup. What look did you choose and what key products did you use?
I tend to always go for a natural look. My go to product is the Glow Recipe Dew Drops for underneath my makeup, they are also great for wearing by themselves as well.
How did you choose a hairstyle? What styling process did your locks go through?
I really like a classic bun especially when there is a lot already going on in an outfit itself, which mum helped with this time.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is hard to pinpoint because I enjoy wearing and curating a range of looks from classic dresses to tailored suits (which personally I think are underrated). At the moment I do love to incorporate colour blocking or even accessorising with one bold colour.
How do you spend your time when you’re not at racing events?
I honestly love fashion! I am constantly and consistently looking on every site known to man keeping up to date with current trends and collections.
I am currently in my last year at university studying a Bachelor of International Business and working part-time. I love to travel as well, I always try to have a trip to look forward to. Currently, I am spending a lot of my time booking a trip to Europe for the end of May!! Where I hope to find some treasures to use for FOTF.
Why should everyone book in a day at the races this year?
Being new to it all I have really enjoyed every aspect of it. It's a great day out whether you are there for the fashions or a day with your friends and family. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Check out some of the amazing colour and outfits from the day below.
