Tradition gives way as The Everest ushers in party season

Put it down to the excitement of a much missed blue Sydney sky and the opportunity to organise an outfit without a matching mask, but the crowd for The Everest let excitement, rather than tradition, guide their racewear selection.

With many women ditching hats and men abandoning ties, Royal Randwick Racecourse resembled a licensed shopping centre during the Boxing Day sales, with those clutching Champagne curating looks from the luxury section while the pre-mix pack raided fashion faster than main race winner Giga Kick.

Making a nod to the hats, tailored day wear and matching handbags that define racewear were guests headed to the restricted sections of the grandstand, far above the threat of grass stains.

The Everest ambassador, swimming champion Emma McKeon seemed overwhelmed by the attention away from the pool. Wearing a strapless floral dress from Aje, which nicely tied into the day’s blue theme, McKeon was lost for words when asked about the jewels from IM designs styled through her hair, in lieu of a hat or headband.

The words came more easily when asked whether the headpiece was comfortable. “No,” McKeon said. “It’s a bit different, especially as this is my first races experience. But it’s an honour to be asked and to be able to share this with my family.”

Model Simone Holtznagel was more vocal about the appeal of her crisp white custom dress from designer Lillian Khallouf, with a mini-skirt and halter-top offering style rather than support.

“I feel like a million dollars, and it is actually comfortable,” Holtznagel said. “It’s got a lot of boning in it, but I like to be snatched.”

The whisper of a dress was inspired by one Khallouf created for Jennifer Hawkins in 2018 for The Everest.