THE RACE TO THE FINISHING POST

Where has the this year gone?

It feels like only yesterday that Milva (mum) and I planning were my Magic Millions outfit at the start of January! Though here we are now, at the end of October and the race to the finish post  (that being the pinnacle of Spring Racing Season - Flemington Melbourne Cup Carnival) is on!!! 

What has been a crazy, creative, rewarding yet busy year so far for Milva Carucci Designs it goes without saying it has been an exciting one!

So many wonderful clients, Australia wide being able to partake in the amazing soul, bursting experience of owning their very first custom outfit or simply bringing to life by their visionary of inspiration or requirement!
Spring is the season of weddings, engagements, baby showers, births, school formals and of course spring carnival races across Australia. Here's a bit of a recap on the past two months of a few of the gorgeous client's in their spring custom made outfits in the lead up to Melbourne Cup Carnival!

To kick off the Spring Racing Season Cairns Amateurs was first on the calender. Renowned for bringing together the colour, fun and festivities encompassing the reef to the races it consists of two major days of racing and some fierce FNQ Fashions on the Field Competition. 

Friday 1st of September was Ladies Day which is made up of classic racewear, fun lines and delving into on trend components. 

Chermay looked absolutely amazing in a European summer inspired outfit taking highlight to the ever present off the shoulder trend and incorporating flattering stripes with contract floral components. 

When you have a winning ensemble in your wardrobe why not make the most it! Lucy, so on trend on this black and metallic combo!

▫️▪️NOtNoNothNothing like classic black and white! 
Gorgeous Daleena in her custom white dress
Complemented by Sonlia Millinery
 

The second day of the festivities is Amateur Cup Day. More spring colour and celebrations continue with fashion, races and flowing champagne! 

It's not all hard work and no play though! Milva was able to enjoy a day at the track with her dapper husband. It is always nice to be able to catch up with client's on the day and see their amazing outfits all come together!

Everyone looked so very amazing with Bella's gorgeous grey and cream print classic style dress with a twist made the Finals for the fashion on the field in the Under 30 category. 

When you have just such stylish parents! Milva looking spring and floral 

Complemented by Sonlia Millinery 

Gorgeous Bella in her amazing classic twist dress making the Finals of Fashions on the Field

Complemented by Sonlia Millinery

And everyone loves a bit of dress twirling action !

Lucy looking bright and fun in a gorgeous African inspired skirt with a classic twist 

Catching up with gorgeous clients 

With Spring now in full swing........ the race days were to follow on the Atherton Tablelands & Mareeba.

Below is a snippet of Milva Carucci Design's stunning client's in their custom pieces! 

Meanwhile, down in south east Queensland the southern spring racing carnival kicked off. 
I attended the Pink Ribbon Cup Day down on the Gold Coast. With such a worthy cause with all proceeds going towards the National Breast Cancer Association, it's always a good excuse to frock up in over the top pink and enjoy a day in the sunshine with friends over a few champers!

Keeping the style quite simple to let the vibrant fuschia pink digital floral print fabric shine, we opted for a boat neck fitted bodice with a gusset flared skirt dress. Complete with a vintage boater with a last minute addition of white veiling and pink braiding to pull the whole look together! 

At Pink Ribbon Cup Day 

And back up in FNQ, Innisfail Annuals was held. From what would be quite a wet race day (in true Innisfail style), the ever gorgeous Lucy was absolutely beaming in her bright yellow jacquard off the shoulder dress! Absolutely stunning style on her and with a pop of colour demanded spring attention! She made Top 6 in the Under 30's category and won Best Millinery! 

Lucy at Innisfail Annuals
Photo courtesy of Heather York

Lucy winning Best millinery and also making Top 6 Under 30's category

As the start of Brisbane Racing Club's spring carnival events kicked off on the 15th of October, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to have a bit of a Melbourne Cup Carnival warm up! 

Being the National Breast Cancer Awareness Pink day, the theme was a touch of pink. Rewearing one of my favourite dresses, I had Amy from Pink Lane Hats whip me up this amazing large brim boater. Keeping with on trend metallic rose gold, accessories complimented that. It was a fantastic day at the track catching up with friends and even making it into the finals for the Fashions on the Field. 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Day was themed a touch of pink 

Millinery by Pink Lane Hats

With Melbourne Cup carnival in full swing there was no real time to prepare for last weekend's SUEZ Cox Plate so this was a bit of a throw together outfit! With the fashions on the field themed 'Embellishments & Individuality', this was a skirt I wore over the winter carnival with an off the shoulder flounce sleeve. Complete with a laser cut piece by Danica Erard millinery. 

SUEZ Cox Plate day where the theme was embellishment and individuality 

Millinery by Danica Erard Millinery 

A very brief overview of the wonderful Milva Carucci Designs client's over the start of spring! 

As you can see it has been a very busy few months in preparation though now it's time for mum to have a well deserved holiday as we head off to Melbourne for a week filled with fashion, Flemington, horses, food and the amazing Melbourne culture! Stay tuned for the Spring Carnival Wrap up on our return to give you a full run down on our spring carnival outfit preparations!

So until then follow both myself and Milva Carucci Designs on social media for all the live updates on all things fashion at Flemington, links are below! 

Kerrie xx 

AUTUMN WINTER CARNIVAL - ALL WRAPPED UP

Wow!
Gosh what a busy few weeks it has been! I'm sure my fellow Fashions on the Field Enthusiasts can vouch for the slight exhaustion felt after 5-6 consecutive weeks of getting dolled up, collating outfits and putting your best fashion foot forward! To some even reading this might some exhausting and just far too much effort.... though to the crazy one's, we just simply love it! 

After months of planning and saving, collecting ideas, numerous sketches, sourcing fabrics, meetings with milliner's, a multitude of picture messages and phone calls, a new love affair started with my postman and the reassurance that each races day's theme was met, the winter races finally stormed around!! Tedious? I think not, THAT is the fun part! 

The first event that kicked off the season officially/unofficially was the Prime Minister's Cup held on the Gold Coast Turf Club on 7th May. With sunny Queensland never disappointing, a gorgeous clear 30 degree day would never have given away the fact that it was late Autumn! The Gold Coast is renowned for bringing out the best in bright, fun and a little 'out of the box' fashion! This was the perfect time to finally use a gorgeous stained glass printed fabric that was sourced a couple of years ago and was just waiting to make it's debut! 

Being inspired by the 'regal' fall collection by Dolce & Gabbana's and also drawing inspiration from Camilla with Love's Runway show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, left room for something bold and different! 

Photo via Pinterest
Dolce & Gabbana Fall Collection

To make the print in the skirt 'pop', mum & I decided that a cherry red was the most complimentary colour for the outfit. We opted for a longer length sleeved, boat neck top with a slit opening mid arm to bring a bit of flow to quite a structured outfit and symmetrical print. This flow was also continued throughout with a fish-tail like addition at the back of the skirt in place of where a traditional split would be. It added a feature and a point of difference that can sometimes be the deciding factor between podium placings. 

Image by Ross Stevenson 

The outfit was complete with a vintage fedora that had the addition of black veiling added to it to bring a bit of modern flair. Accessories included a gorgeous pair of regal gold crucifix earrings, gold clutch and jewellery complete with a faithful pair of patent black heels. I didn't come away with a sash that day though was the lucky recipient of the Bruce Lynton Jaguar competition! Such a nice surprise, so stay tuned for my next blog when I can bring you a stylish and fashionable Jaguar weekend driving experience!

A little #flatlay loving 

UBET BTC CUP Day

The following weekend was the official start of Brisbane Racing Club's Seven Sin's Winter Racing Carnival! The first day of the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre's Fashion on the Field competition kicked off the carnival was the inaugural 'Bold Colour' theme at UBET BTC Cup Day. Having the perfect outfit for this theme, I committed to what some may say is the fashions on the field cardinal rule, I outfit repeated! Yes I did it! Though when you have the perfect outfit that simply just works, it's sometimes a sheer waste to just wear it to one event. So a bit of a change to the styling and accessories and it was ready to hit the track! 

Image by Ross Stevenson

JAMES BOAG’S PREMIUM DOOMBEN 10,000 DAY

The next day of the carnival I attended was the James Boag's Premium Doomben 10,000 Day. This was the last of the carnival being held at the Doomben track and again another killer autumn's day. The sun was out and was just the perfect temperature to be frocked up and sipping on champagne! The day is themed with a touch of metallic, which saw a field of gold and glistening glamours! 

For this particular outfit I had picked up a very different fabric that was sourced from The Fabric Store here in Brisbane a few months ago. It caught my eye, though being a cream, black and teal sequined chiffon it needed to have a specific style to utilise it. Having the right fabric for the style of your outfit is paramount, though being able to utilise mum's expertise you can sometimes think outside the box. Wanting a bit of a different flair and also after falling in love with a dress by Jonathon Simkhai had in his fall collection, we drew inspiration to a mid-length gored skirt complete with a 3/4 sleeve with a bell detail.

Again having a prominent geometric pattern like a houndstooth, bringing flow to the outfit allows it to work harmoniously. As the accent colour I wanted to play up was the gorgeous teal colour, we found the perfect cotton ponte at The Fabric Store again and also a matte chiffon. The combination of these fabrics worked really well as ponte doesn't always have the best finish for an outfit so using that as a lining and layering the two chiffons over it allowed the design to have the weight required and also the fit. The clear sequins that covered the houndstooth pattern gave a sheen and metallic feel to the outfit. 

I had envisioned this outfit with a wide brim hat or headpiece though also wasn't completely sure about the style, as it had just happened Jill at Jill & Jack Millinery had just made a ready to wear piece that was just perfect! A slightly asymmetrical deep crown, wide brim hat in a winter cream felt finished with a balck feathered band. The outfit was styled to have complimentary patent black Dior inspired sling back heels from Jessica Buurman, a matching Olga Berg bag, blakc palm gloves and gunmetal silver jewellery. 

Spending so much time at the track you naturally form some wonderful friendships with fellow fashions on the field friends - Caren, Marla & Alla. 

Image by Alla Demich 

 

TREASURY CASINO & HOTEL LADIES’ OAKS DAY

Well, from one extreme to another, the first race day of winter up until this week we had some fantastic weather! Though with the Queensland extremities the weekend's forecast for the grand opening of Eagle Farm's Racecourse 18 month renovation was looking pretty grim! I was also fortunate enough to have my parents flying in for the weekend and a planned fun day at Ladies Day! Torrential rain, flooding, high tides and the rest of the craziness that comes with a large low sitting over SEQ, the horse races were cancelled, though all of the events and fashions on the field was to go ahead! Some call us crazy though rain, hail or shine we were prepared to go! The biggest styling feat was to figure out how to incorporate ponchos into your outfit! 

Traditionally, Ladies' Oak Day is themed to be feminine, floaty and pastel colour palettes. Keeping this in mind I had been on the hunt for a few good months to find a suitable fabric to bring my idea together. Inspired by 70's style balloon sleeve, Zimmermann's AW collection and even possibly a little bit of Game of Thrones, I opted for a floaty A-line silhoutte with sheer sleeves. The Fabric Store had just gotten a shipment of Liberty of London prints in and this was where I found a gorgeous merlot coloured print in a chiffon and a lightweight faile. I could see the potential with the colour palette to incorporate the pastels and rose gold hues that I had in mind from the accent tones in the print of the fabric. Utilising the contrast of the different denier's of the fabric can ensure that you aren't left with an outfit that has an overall dark feel to it. 

This outfit for me was the hardest of all to plan what style of headpiece would be appropriate though most importantly compliment the look. I had already made arrangements to have an appointment with the ever talented Sophie of Allport Millinery  for a custom piece so after a good chat about colours, textures and possible designs the gorgeous rose gold crown was conjured!
This by far is one of my most FAVOURITE millinery pieces yet! This was the first of a crown like this that Sophie had made and her workmanship is just exceptional! The detailing of each hand tooled leaf and rose petal is to die for! Like anything that is new or done for the first time there is certainly a risk, it can quickly be a love or hate as far as personal preference goes as I do know a few counterparts of male gender that just 'didn't get what was going on'! That is the beauty about fashion and styling! It's open for interpretation though most importantly it's personal preference and expression of your personality! It is as simple as feeling confident in what you have put together! 

The outfit was detailed with rose gold and pastel jewellery from Lovisa, pastel pink half gloves a rose gold Olga Berg clutch and the bling was carried to the shoes by Nine West's latest range of winter pumps. 

With the talented lady behind all of the Milva Carucci Designs magic my amazing mum 

Both wearing Milva Carucci Designs outfits

After the rain had cleared with my amazing family 

 

 

AAMI Stradbroke Day

Traditional Black, White and a touch of Red is the theme for the last and biggest day of the Brisbane Racing Club Seven Sins Winter Carnival. Since the racing had been cancelled from the weekend before, this was set to be the biggest race day prize pool in Queensland that year, though also a super fun day to finally let your hair down for the close of the carnival though more importantly Brisbane Racing Club's chance to show off the new and improved Eagle Farm Racecourse!

This outfit started a little differently to the others, I had no idea what design I wanted nor style preference. I purchased this geometric black lace again from The Fabric Store some months ago and decided to play up to the edgyness of the fabric though lace can sometimes be a little difficult to start with. So knowing that I wanted to key the geometeric diamond feature in the overall edgy look that I had in mind, I called upon Sophie who worked her talented hands once again on making this gorgeous diamond percher headpiece to tie the clean lines into this outfit. Having a monochrome theme though adding the fire engine red roses for 'the touch of red' really allowed this shape to dynamically hit the mark. Having a custom piece for your wardrobe or millinery collection (as I now refer to mine) is nothing short of amazing! Between you and the master of their special craft you are creating something special and most times beautiful friendships will be made, from this I am also so very grateful to call this talented lady a friend. 

So the millinery was sorted though I was still at a loss as to what the design would be. Having mum down the weekend before she actually sewed it while she was here for the weekend! A little different to the usual parcel delivered by Jeff my trusty delivery man the week prior! 

Being well and truly in winter, we opted for a long sheer sleeved, mid length dress. What started off as a round neck didn't quite give the right lines to the structure of the dress pattern and lace so a few modifications and the dress quickly become a v neck. When having quite a repetitive pattern and busy fabric it's important to be conscious about closing up the neckline too much. Also when using a dense or busy lace or sheer fabric, try using a complimentary lighter colour to allow the integrity of the pattern to remain as the true feature. The decision to use the white lining rather then the black allowed this to happen though also ticked the theme boxes of black and white.  

The overall look was finished a wide Cue black and jeweled waist belt which allowed the lace to be broken up and also compliments my silhouette. Continuing that edginess a black satin choker was added along with a pair of black Zara ankle tie heels, black gloves and nails and a black patent rectangular clutch.  

With my friend and client Amanda both wearing custom pieces

Image by Ross Stevenson 

With the lady behind the millinery masterpieces, Sophie (centre) of Allport Millinery and gorgeous ladies at Indooroopilly FOTF stage. 

Image by Ross Stevenson

 

 

Tattersall's club tiara race day

The very last day of the winter carnival here in Brisbane was the Tattersall's Club Tiara Race Day with the Wintergarden's Fashions on the Field competition. Wearing the gorgeous teal number with a few styling changes in accessories it was a fantastic way to finish off the Brisbane winter race fashions. 

When seeing the same familiar faces week after week, all sharing the same passion for fashion, innovating new and wonderful takes on racing fashion and bringing their very best in personal style there is no doubt that some truly wonderful friendships are made. Though it is a competition with some fabulous prizes on offer, you truly never know what the judges will be looking for. The supportive environment and genuineness expressed to fellow fashioinista's when they do come away with a sash is a testament to women simple supporting other women in their quest to express themselves! Truly one of my favourite things about racing fashion and fashions on the field competitions!! 

For now, the next few months will be spent frantically planning for the Spring Carnival! Though stay posted for the next blog post giving you a few tips tricks and just something to read while you're having a cup of tea! 

Kerrie xx 

3.5 seconds….. That's all you have!!

Do you often scroll through Instagram, Facebook, Vogue or other magazines wishing and wondering how all of these celebrities could possibly look just flawless and 'well put together' all the time?

There is a common trend between them all. Looking good or well-dressed comprises of a couple different factors and it probably isn't what you assume to be the most obvious.
Yes, most of these celebrities or famous people have a common factor of being in a 'higher disposable income bracket', though by having someone who can guide you in the right direction is going to make a world of difference.

Human psychology studies have found that we have a mere 3.5 seconds to make a first impression! Can you believe that!?  1 elephant, 2 elephant 3 elephant. Bam!

So think about the next time you walk into a boardroom, job interview, first date or even into your future in-laws for the first time that's all you have!! Ok, so now that I've slapped you quite quickly around the cheeks let me tell you about how you too can come off looking and feeling like the best version of yourself and kill it at in that 3.5 secs of life changing moments !!

When choosing a custom Milva Carucci Design you're not only supporting a business, someone's passion, dreams and amazing skill set to create a fabulous outfit that you can hang in your wardrobe for years to come though you can confidently know that you will be investing in a quality and stylish piece perfect just for you!

Marissa and her bridal party looking amazing on her special day! 

Photo courtesy Katie Jane Photography

At Treasury Casino Ladies Oaks Day at Eagle Farm, Brisbane 

Having an outside opinion and industry knowledge will be the dividing factor between looking 'dressed' to being 'well dressed' and put together.  A conversation between you and your dressmaker will be about what is going to suit your body shape, emphasise your best assets, reflecting your own personal style and also ensuring the right fabric is chosen for the occasion though also ease of care being kept in mind.

Putting together a wardrobe that has a few staple quality pieces or investing in a piece for a special event is what is going to give you the overall 'flawless' look that you are replicating! This by no means imply's that you need to spend a fortune though being smart about your purchases can be the differentiating factor!

So here are my key tips for the perfect custom outfit! 

• Contact Milva with at least 6 - 8 weeks before the desirable date. This will allow enough time for you to set up an initial consultation (either in person, via Facetime or by PM) have a good chat about what you are after
   
• This is also a good time to pass on any images/ style inspiration that you have collected. This will give her a good sense of what you like and an idea to achieve the perfect result for you
   
• If you are a long distance client, sometimes images of yourself in an outfit that you love or a style that you deem suitable to accentuate your best assets will also assist in fine tuning your final design
   
• Next is deciding on the fabric. The quality of the fabric and suitability is EVERYTHING when it comes to custom pieces! From standout to everyday usability it is extremely important to achieve the desired look by your fabric. Let's be honest, you're not going to wear a gorgeous Italian silk dress to a steamy, outback wedding reception in the middle of December! 
   

• FIT - this is the 'celebrity factor' that truly encompasses the well dressed aura that you will give off when entering the room. Having your piece hug in all of the right places though not appearing to have been 'poured into' is what makes an outstanding outfit! 

'The woman should wear the dress, not the dress wear her! '
 

When ordering your piece this is where it is IMPERATIVE that your exact measurements are reflected as they are, this will ensure you wear the perfect fit! Having a piece made specifically for you will give you the confidence to take on the world!!

This also applies for getting existing wardrobe pieces altered to fit you properly. This is where the savvy factor of creating your 'gob smacking 3.5 second entrance' comes into play. Having well tailored pieces, correct length or that dress nip/tucked in the right place to give you your waist back is essential. Though following your investment pieces/ special occasion outfit, you can add volume to the necessary pieces of your wardrobe with additional budget pieces. You can have these 'fashion fast or trending' pieces altered and will add to your look and provide variety to your seasonal wardrobe. 

So whether you're male or female, make those first 3.5 seconds count!! Seek the advice of someone who has your best interests at heart and the industry knowledge to allow it to happen!

#METGALA 2016 - TECHNO TREND

This is the Superbowl of the Fashion industry! The Met Gala is a red carpet event like no other!  Held on the First Monday of May each year (which this year also coincided with my birthday ;) YAY me! ) where dramatic and outrageous outfits are actually encouraged! There is usually more flesh then Bondi beach on a hot summer’s day and the bigger statement the better! 

Each year this event that is hosted by Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and has a theme, this year's being Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology. 
Naturally there was a subsequent push to metallic, metals and some bold jewellery in amongst the transition to utilising modern textiles. 

This is a real chance for designers to get their creative flair and test those ‘wildest dream’ type outfits on A-List celebrities and the rice and famous! Like always, there was some fashion fails though the real showstopper for me was a beautiful gown by the creative genius Zac Posen who was Cinderelicly worn by Claire Danes. 
Fulfilling every girl’s childhood fairytale memory, this gorgeous ice blue strapless gown with voluminous full skirt complete with a train was made from fibre optic fabric that allowed it to be ‘a floating realm of LUMINOUS SPARKLE’!!!

Dolce and Gabbana also wowed with a gorgeous 'black bouquet' trained gown. With Calvin Klein also keeping a monochrome theme decking out Emma Watson in a gorgeous off the shoulder dress/pant combo. 

Balmain made a prominent shining impact on the red carpet bringing a cutting edge feel in eye dazzling metallics, heavy metal detailing and an always expected wow factor!  

The presence of sheer fabrics and modern takes on classic additions like capes can be seen on both Blake Lively and Nicole Kidman. 

Following these trends metallics and metal featuring is going to be huge! So stay tuned for upcoming winter outfits accentuating this!

All images courtesy of Fashion Critical