She’s long been a Spring Racing fixture – especially in the style stakes – but Nadia Bartel has shared that this year, she’ll be sitting the race that stops the nation out.
The mum-of-two stunned at Derby Day on Saturday in a floor-length, strapless white “suiting” gown designed by her own label, HENCE, paired with YSL heels and an oversized black hair bow.
Anyone waiting to spot the 38-year-old at Flemington today, though, needn’t bother.
“No cup for me today,” she wrote on her Instagram Story, sharing a photo of herself at a pilates studio.
“Excited to have a chill day with the boys. This weather!”
Bartel was, presumably, referring to the hot and humid conditions in Melbourne, with a top of 30C. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there’s also a 70 per cent chance of rain, as well as possible damaging winds, hail and lightning over the track from about 2pm.
In an interview on Saturday, Bartel told the Daily Mail she had big plans to take her clothing company – which she co-founded three years ago with her sister, Michelle Ring, and former Witchery buyer, Laura Broque – overseas in the coming months.
“A few exciting things are coming,” she said.
“We’re really busy at the moment … Yeah [we have plans to go global]. You know, we’ve had a few big people wear the brand, which has been, like, so exciting.”
While Bartel won’t be on the ground, plenty of other Aussie personalities are set to attend the festivities – and enjoying the Victoria Racing Club’s newly-relaxed dress regulations for its members.
The VRC has introduced a more modern view on once controversial fashion trends, such as cut-outs, exposed midriffs and low backs.
The changes haven’t pleased everyone, however, with racing royalty Gai Waterhouse labelling the move “silly” and accusing the VRC of “dropping standards”.
While men will – controversially – be allowed to don “tailored shorts” for the first time, they must still be worn with a suit jacket and tie.
“This is not about becoming casual or relaxing rules,” VRC chairman Neil Wilson said.
“The VRC is managing the transition to more contemporary requirements and fashion is an important part of that. These regulation changes have an impact on how we think about racing.”