This year’s Yellowglen Terrance Ambassador Emma Clapham is gearing up for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and we catch up with her to get the lowdown on her spring racing style tips, fashion faux pas to avoid and her role as Yellowglen Terrace Ambassador.
Congratulations on being named Yellowglen Terrace Ambassador for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival. What does this role involve?
Thank you so much, I’m very honoured to be the 2014 Yellowglen Terrace Ambassador for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival. I love what Yellowglen represents as a brand and how accessible they make celebrating all occasions by giving everyday moments the time to sparkle. This year, Yellowglen Terrace will provide racegoers with the ultimate VIP experience outside the Birdcage and with some of the best views of the track.
I can’t wait to be at the Yellowglen Terrace all four days, mingling with racegoers while hopefully backing a few winners. The amazing views are not the only thing I’ll be enjoying at the Yellowglen Terrace – I’ll be spending a lot of time in the Social Media Hub, where I’ll be encouraging guests to take their own ‘selfies’ with the hub’s inbuilt cameras that post directly to your social media platforms (I’m a sucker for a selfie).
The hub features an incredible ‘paper art wall’ by paper artist Marine Coutroutsios, an interior designer from France and it looks amazing! I’m also super excited to see what New York based jewellery designer Samantha Wills has planned for Yellowglen Terrace, as she will be styling to match the Yellowglen Colours range for each day. It really is a dream role: celebrating the Spring Racing carnival, sipping on beautiful sparkling and Yellowglen’s signature cocktails, being involved in the excitement of Yellowglen Terrace while overlooking the track… can’t complain about that right?
Forget the horses! For a lot of women and men, spring racing is all about fashion! What are some of the hottest trends we can expect to see trackside this seasons?
I’m a really big fan of racing fashion traditions and love embracing the traditional colour themes that are associated with each of the race days. Key trends that I think we will be seeing a lot of are pretty pastels, full skirts and feminine silhouettes. Headwear is a Emma Clapham must, so I hope to see structured headpieces and plenty of white on white. My tip would also be that the track is no time for tummies, so be sure to leave your mid-drift for the after party and embrace the traditions that Flemington is loved for!
What are your go-to places for spring racing outfits?
There are so many places we can go to now, which is fantastic: Myer is always my first shopping destination, as it really is a one-stop-racing-shop, with infinite options that cater for different race days and racegoer’s styles.
When your partner Tom goes with you to the races, do you help him with his outfit or is he happy to style himself?
Hahaha, not at all – I don’t have time to think about him, as I’m always too busy trying to get myself organised! He is pretty good with putting together his own outfits…one thing we need to be on top of though is the ironing. We have had a few crinkled shirt issues over the years.
Emma with partner Tom Hawkins
Getting the right hair and makeup look is just as important as picking the right outfit. What are some of the top hair and makeup trends to look for this racing season and what tips do you have to ensure your makeup looks fresh all day long?
Yes, super important… it would be a shame to go to so much effort with your outfit and not finish it off with the right hair and makeup. Neutral tones and a minimal look are really in at the moment, which is perfect for the races. I’m all about the ‘less is more’ approach to makeup at the races, as it is a day event. A more dramatic approach to makeup can be amazing though if it is paired with a simple headpiece or dress. Never be scared of a bold and bright lip colour either; the races are a time to have fun with fashion! I think we will be seeing a lot of pulled back hair, a more straight/modern and edgy look for women this year and hopefully well groomed, clean cut, shaven men.
The headpiece always dictates my hairstyle and I always test it before the day, to see how it sits and what will be the most comfortable or secure hairstyle for it. My tip to ensure your makeup looks fresh all day long? Lots of water the night and morning before, a really good primer, Air Repair’s Facial Mist from MiniBarCo.com is a game changer and a really good base and foundation is important.
What are your race day handbag essentials?
Band-aids, bobby pins, pawpaw cream, compact perfume, mints, double–sided tape (if you need it), gel pads for the heels, Photo Finish powder from Napoleon Perdis and my phone.
We all know racer-goers should steer clear of overly orange fake tan and super short hemlines. What other style rules should they not break?
As I mentioned before, I am a big fan of the traditional Racing Fashion looks, so no crop tops or cut-outs for me. It’s really important to remember you are going to a day event – not a nightclub – so steer clear from the sequins and sparkly numbers. I am not a big fan of shorts at the races either, even if they are tailored, best to keep them at home for another occasion.
Spring racing is a busy time of the year for a lot of people. What are your tips to survive the racing season?
It sure is, the busiest but the best time! Lots of water and downtime in between the race days are essential. I think when you are out at the track, take it easy and just relax into the surroundings. It can sometimes be overwhelming when you arrive at the races, as there are so many people you want to catch up with and see. My one tip above all others is for people to remember that even though we’re there to enjoy the horse races, it’s not a race for us, so take it slow and appreciate the food and drinks available. It is not a good look when a beautiful dress stumbles out of Flemington with an over refreshed girl inside of it.
Images courtesy of Ian Currie and Lucas Dawson
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