Planning numerous outfits for the Spring Carnival can be a rather challenging and overwhelming task especially with the pressure to impress on social media.
One Melbourne designer has taken matters into her own hands after developing a collection simply with the races in mind. Last week we celebrated the Thurley Spring Racing Collection Launch with a VIP brunch at their flagship store on High St, Armadale.
We caught up with Thurley designer Helen O’Connor, who knows exactly what the fashion-forward woman wants with a return to femininity (perhaps inspired by the recent 1970s revival), as a highlight of her latest creations.
“It’s all about beautiful feminine lace, you can see there’s a lot of boho bell sleeves”.
Stop right there Helen. You had me at bell sleeves!
Every race day has been considered in the design process as is proven with a wide variety of colours, prints, textures, and silhouettes all embodying the Thurley aesthetic.
“I’ve done a lot of black and white particularly for Derby, and I’ve done some soft pastels for Oaks and then for Cup day I’ve done bright pops of beautiful Mediterranean-inspired blues”.
Ah, doesn’t it sound oh-so dreamy?
She’s right too, the blue hues in this collection are bang on the money but the prints are also a real standout.
“Our real signature has become botanicals, so you’ll see each month we’re dropping just a new evolution of beautiful botanicals – There’s also a print inspired by embroidery so it’s like a nice way for someone to buy into the look but for half the price”.
Bingo. I like the sound of that.
Helen’s dos and don’ts on dressing for a day at the races >
1. It’s really important to acknowledge the dress codes so make sure you’re being respectful.
2. Be comfortable in what you’re wearing and also really make an effort.
3. Put a hat on, make sure your accessories are really considered and work around one feature piece for your outfit.
So stop, take a deep breath and embrace the effortless Thurley way of nailing a head-to-toe look trackside this spring.
See the entire Thurley collection Online or in store at >
Thurley Boutique
1080 High Street
Armadale Vic 3143
Mon – Fri 10am-5:30pm
Sat 10am-5:30pm
Sun 11am-5pm
Ph. 03 9500 986
