The remark so many make after a day at Flemington is that after spending all day at the Races, placing several bets, swilling the GDP of a developing nation in champagne, and retiring home they didn’t see even a single horse. Pretentious? Somewhat? A reality? Yes. With the line-up of marquees in the Birdcage each year it’s understandable that efforts equestrian might take a backseat to the real sport on the day: people watching.
This year isn’t any different with the corporate big tops no less opulent (what recession?) than previous years, some arguing that they’ve become orgiastic day clubs veiled scantily by horse racing. Those people clearly haven’t had the pleasure of eating Ostera caviar off thimble-sized buckwheat blini, lubricated by French champagne.
Securing invitations so close to the Carnival might be an uphill battle, however, you can never be prepared for what lady luck might send your way. Below we’ve compiled our pick of the marquees that will be the places to be seen this year; but which to choose from?
An artist's impression of the Emirates marquee
Emirates
The naming rights sponsor and possibly the most opulent of all of the marquees, Emirates’ marquee is themed like St Petersburg in a Dr Zhivago-meets-Tsar Nicolas-themed wonderland. With a 50-kilogram Fabergé egg centrepiece, Cossack dancing and actress, Nicoletta Romanoff, granddaughter of Nicholas Romanov, Prince of Russia, and a descendent of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, present, it’ll be the most gate-crashed marquee this carnival.
Lavazza
Themed as the “Lavazza Bar”, this marquee is always the choice of the younger cohort. With chefs Guy Grossi, Liz Egan and Giovanni Pilu providing the spread and a guest appearance by Dita Von Teese on AAMI Derby Day, the marquee will be a consistently fun place to be right until the final beverage is poured on Emirates Stakes Day.
Swisse
Hosted by model (and my future bride), Ashley Hart, the Swisse marquee is proving to be a popular entrant this year. With a day spa designed by our friends at couture house, J’Aton, Jacob Luppino and Anthony Pittorino, guests will be able sip cocktails and wheat grass equally. Rumoured guests are Joan Collins and Cadel Williams; oh, and an irrelevant “celebrity” whose so-called fame originated from a sex tape—classy.
Crown
When one of the Cup’s major sponsors is a casino, you know they’re going to host an impressive marquee. With sophisticated elegance as its theme, it will be a popular destination on Crown Oaks Day for those wishing to catch a glimpse of guest, Sarah-Jessica Parker. Just how many oversized flower brooches will be pinned onto the dresses of middle-aged women remains to be seen.
Image: Flickr/Hayden Charles
Published on 28 October 2011 by Agony Uncle