Midriffs, mini dresses, and thigh-high slits! David Jones' spring racing fashion forecast breaks all the rules
- David Jones Spring Racewear Launch took place in Melbourne on Monday
- Conservative race day rules went out the window with a number of designs
- Mini dresses and midriff-baring outfits were on parade
- Feathered hats and fascinators a key trend for headwear
- Victoria Racing Club dress code bans garments that show midriff
The traditional race day rules stipulate a prim hem length, no denim or shorts, and certainly no visible midriff.
But all bets are off this season when it comes to spring carnival style, according to David Jones.
The luxury department store held its Spring Racing Runway presentation in Melbourne on Monday,
Models sashayed down the catwalk in short dresses that would make Jean Shrimpton blush, with hems ending mid-thigh.
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Sky high hemlines: Mini dresses on the catwalk at David Jones' Spring Racewear Launch in Melbourne on Monday
Racy: One wrap dress featured a risque thigh-high slit
Hardly risqué elsewhere, but scandalously short for the notoriously conservative racing officials, who continue to reserve the right to enforce their dress code in the Members' Enclosure.
One dress featured a racy thigh-high slit, putting the model's long limbs on display as she stalked the runway.
Unlike Royal Ascot, which has a strict 'just above the knee or longer' hemline rule, the Victoria Racing Club's guidelines do not give an exact hem length, instead noting that 'ladies are expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity of the Members’ Enclosure.'
Loud and proud: A suit by Camilla featured the designer's trademark print
Fascinating: Feathered headwear looks to be a key trend
Breaking the rules: Despite being banned at the races, midriff-revealing designs also appeared on the runway
One thing the guidelines do make plain, however, is that visible midriffs are a no-no.
And yet at least two designs on parade at the David Jones event flouted this restriction, with one dress featuring cut-out panels and another ensemble flaunting the model's toned mid-section in a cropped top and high-waisted pants.
A three-piece ensemble by Camilla showcased the designer's trademark loud prints, while other options more in keeping with traditional race day style were a blue knee-length dress with zipper detailing and a monochrome print dress with sheer material - adding a hint of skin while staying in line with racing hemlines.
Prim and proper: Designs more in keeping with traditional race day rules kept hemlines and necklines conservative
Hell for metal: Statement necklaces paired with metallic clothing on the runway
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