The First Sash of 2024
Well the new year is off to an incredible start and with it has stepped out in style with the 2024 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping.
One of our MCD women and my daughter Kerrie Carucci was wrapped in the first sash of 2024 wearing a custom MCD dress.
Well the new year is off to an incredible start and with it has stepped out in style with the 2024 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping.
One of our MCD women and my daughter Kerrie Carucci was wrapped in the first sash of 2024 wearing a custom MCD dress.
2024 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping Fashions on the Field Winners with judges Rebecca Harding & Elliot Garnut
Image credit - Azar Images
The Outfit
Taking inspiration from Pantone Colour of the year - Peach Fuzz, this custom made MCD dress started with the stunning peach coloured fabric sourced from The Fabric Store in Brisbane. With the cottton polyster composition and cross grain detail, this fabric was perfect for a polo approporiate summer dress.
With a collaborative design with Kerrie, this dress formed the perfect proportions of simplistic elegance and on trend.
Kerrie styled the look with a custom Stacey Hemera Roberts hat with a truly contemporary structure and accessories from her wardrobe for this balanced, sash worthy look!
Image credit - The Blachat
Image credit - Azar Images
Are you ready to step out and style in custom, one off and individual garment for 2024?
Behind The Seams: On The Winning QLD Sash
An insight of the progress of creating the winning outfit for 2020 Myer Fashions On Your Front Lawn QLD State Finalist for Kerrie Carucci.
An insight of the progress of creating the winning outfit for 2020 Myer Fashions On Your Front Lawn QLD State Finalist!
My passion for sewing and creativity began in my teenage years and from very humble beginnings. With that it was crafted around problem solving and the challenge of my mum’s treadle sewing machine. Together with my older sister we would create our outfits for school dances and as they were known back then cabarets. We had the most amazing haberdashery store for the small country town of Dimbulah and a supportive mum who allowed us to freely purchase our fabrics for the next creation.
The Bond that Stitched us together
As any mother knows the birth of a child is like no other and your first is certainly a new experience of unconditional love, challenges, countless joyful moments and rewarding milestones created and are treasured forever.
The sewing journey with my daughter Kerrie began the Xmas of the year before she was born, December 1988. My husband Tony and new dad-to-be gifted me with my very first overlocker machine. Surprised and feeling quite overwhelmed with this incredible gesture as I thought ‘when would I have the time with a newborn due in the next 4 months to find the time to sew?’
I used the last few months before I was to embark on my biggest, life changing role of becoming a mother to explore the offering of my new overlocker by creating unique maternity outfits, new born baby clothes and beautiful Nursery décor.
The day my beautiful baby girl was born, I was so captivated and overwhelmed with her beauty, dark full headed hair and outstanding tiny fingers, that my love for creation was sparked to begin sewing pretty dresses and hair accessories.
Kerrie loved dressing up too! She explored her childhood with her own individual and unique outfits and experimented with creating small like outfits for her dolls and scrunchies.
Her passion for fabric shopping was certainly instilled from an early age from our weekly visits to the amazing drapery stores within our small country town in Mareeba and later expanded when bigger department stores came to FNQ region.
The passion and love of individuality, expression of style, fabric and fashion ideas grew with her as she moved through her teenage years and into the woman she is today. With some of my fondest memories as a dressmaker, designer and her mum were many of her incredible fashions on the field outfits.
Kerrie’s innovative creative ideas has certainly had their own challenges, however without these challenges it would not have allowed me to push my boundaries and grow as a designer and seamstress in my own business. Fair to say she is my inspiration, confidant and my right hand woman.
Captured together at 2019 Cairns Amateurs Races. Both wearing Milva Carucci Design dresses.
The Dress That Represented QLD
The dress that won Kerrie the title and sash of 2020 Flemington Myer Fashions on Your Front Lawn QLD Finalist, started like most of Kerrie’s previous ideas. There was a statement feature, with varying aspects of inspiration and ideas. For this dress, there was two key undeniable features; the collar and the amazing fabric. With a few variation of sketches and an extremely short time frame of only approximately 2 weeks and 2000kms between us both, we needed to work on style and we needed to work fast!
A couple of week’s prior, with her keen sourcing eye, Kerrie found the most incredible polyester stretch pique textured fabric. I loved it as it was such a unique shade and I’m very partial to blue personally, though it wasn’t a colour she had worn much of prior. The style of the dress came next. We decided on that a princess line style coming from the side and middle would create both structure and lines to create length on the body. The balance between the collar points, on trend statement sleeve was also balanced with the addition of the front split and added point of difference of the featured doubled pearl buttons.
The collar feature was a design element that she had loved for quite sometime and we had discussed the concept a few times. Kerrie knew how she wanted it to look but was unsure how the design would look, especially getting the proportions and points in the collar balanced with the depth and the entire dress style. This is where my expertise steps in. The collar was challenging to achieve the right proportions to Kerrie’s design and composition of the fabric. As with any final draft the question is it enough, do you add a double collar detail or add in another texture with lace or beading? Both the possibilities and thoughts are endless though ultimately the end decision has to feel right for the wearer.
Having the distance of 2000km between us creates it’s own visible challenges, but thankfully for today’s technology facetime, videos and imessage it aids as an incredible tool. This method of communicating is something I’ve become very accustomed to working virtually as 80% of my clients are from all over Australia and New Zealand. With just enough time to spare, all three self designed outfits of Kerrie’s were mailed off thanks to Australia Post to arrive in Brisbane for Kerrie to have enough time to finish styling the completed looks and submit her photo entries.
The Winning Outfit Details
Together with her self designed dress, Kerrie carried the on trend emphasis of pearl embellishments throughout the outfit. Complementing the dress with a gorgeous custom millinery piece from Allport Millinery which included over 30 handcut white daises made from crystoform and centred with pearl details.
Finishing the look with a statement pearl belt and bag to finish the look. Kerrie’s beautiful imagery was snapped by Grace Elizabeth Images in a gorgeous architectural backdrop, sporting a little Brisbane street style.
Announcement Day
Saturday 24th November was the official day when Kerrie could finally announce this incredibly exciting news! This was a dream come true and I was so incredibly excited and proud to have been part of this journey! She had done it!
Years of fashions on the field, creative ideas, designs, entering and expressing her style, this outfit was a ‘sash winner’ the days following this was a rollercoaster of excitement. I flew down the following weekend to support Kerrie through an amazing opportunity to film with Channel 10 for Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage and also share this beautiful moment together. You can watch the interview segment here.
Kennedy Oaks Day came around and it was time for the live broadcast announcement of the National competition. This year’s Myer Fashions On Your Front Lawn competition was to celebrate is the pinnacle of racing fashion and for the fashions on the field community held so much emphasis in the Melbourne Cup Carnival and a positive reason to get dressed up after such a tough year for so many. Whilst Kerrie unfortunately didn’t take out the National State on Kennedy Oaks Day, this is an experience of a lifetime! To be recognised together with my daughter at this level in racing fashion and achieve this prestigious accolade is truly a dream come true and makes me so proud of how far we have both come from our humble beginnings and how much further we still have left to go! I’m so excited for what’s next!
Milva x
Kerrie Carucci - 2020 Myer Fashions On Your Front Lawn QLD Finalist
image: Tara Croser for The Courier Mail
The Dress Behind The Sash
Where it all begins…..
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
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
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