Derby Day Bridle

Today is the Victorian Derby Day of Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, and I did not attend the races. However, since I will take any reason to celebrate the donning of hats, I am getting into the spirit with this 1940s headpiece.

On Derby Day it is traditional for ladies to wear black and white only; this headpiece is made from white seed beads and pale silver bugle beads (I assume metallics are acceptable). It would actually have been worn originally as a bridal tiara. The beads are sewn to a cotton or linen backing that is remarkably sturdy, and the headpiece fits firmly on the head.

It’s really very pretty, and on-point, as tiara-style headpieces are currently all the rage. I caught the train into the city this morning and saw quite a few racegoers – every woman I saw was wearing a tiara in some form; I saw not one hat. Even more remarkably, I did not fantasise about crushing any of them underfoot – they were all tasteful! It shall be interesting to see what else comes out of Melbourne’s collective closets over the next few days.

P.S. Some horse fancifully called Prized Icon won the actual race; the jockey was wearing strawberry pink-and-brown silks.

Photo: Today