And we are off to the races!

As the horses got warmed up for the upcoming races in Melbourne, Australia, Sofitel’s Girls’ Day Out marked the start of the Spring Racing Season. And what a better way to mark the event than by celebrating those who take to the races in the most intricate and glamorous fashion.

As the last touches to the Melbourne Cup Birdcage Marquees were made, the day saw race-goers take their first taste of what’s to come in the following months. Whispers promised a whole new marquee, which will go by the name Oliver and is set to be styled in a Great Gatsby theme.

The Young Members Lounge was the place to be and be seen for the weekend’s event. The marquee was adorned in colourful fiesta yellows, turquoise and magentas. It brought a much-needed pop of colour as the sun was fleeting. Live entertainment and disco ball chandeliers kept the summer vibes alive and well, as Radio Mexico, a popular Melbourne restaurant, catered small yet delicious snacks throughout the day, alongside Mexican-inspired Tequila cocktails. The marquee also featured a make your own GIF booth for guests to capture the day’s excitement and share with friends.

Despite crisp temperatures, the fashion did not disappoint. A great number of influencers wore bandeaux headpieces, a trend which is sure to become this year’s must-have race-wear item. Meanwhile, fur coats were the style solution to the chilly weather.

Fashion icons and event ambassadors, such as Rebecca Harding, actor and model Nick Bracks, and Spring Carnival Fashion Stylist Lana Wilkinson, were all dressed to impressed and matched their outfits to the theme of the day.

Scones, tiny tea cakes and champagne were also on the list of activities as a sophisticated high tea and millinery gallery joined forces to create an event fit for the ladies. It’s fair to say that the world-famous race course did everything to make us especially welcome.

Although the day was curated for the girls, kids did not miss out either—The Phar Lap Club hosted its very own paleontology activity centre, where children could spend the afternoon unearthing fossils.