Secrets of the Birdcage - and my 'date' with a marquee lounge lizard
The Birdcage is back this year at Flemington's Derby Day, bringing a return of Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-filled energy, writes Jana Hocking. The marquees left nothing to chance, offering a dazzling afternoon of Gatsby-style extravagance that made everyone forget about the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Major sponsors like Crown, Mumm, Lexus, Don Julio, and TAB clearly increased their budgets, making the event spectacular.
The Ladies' Bathrooms Reveal More Than Perfume
The atmosphere inside the ladies' bathrooms was heavy with perfume, gossip, and, in at least one marquee, MDMA—known as 'pingers'—which seemed to be the drug of choice for some non-famous racegoers.
A Fashion Debate Unfolds
I found myself, somewhat unwillingly, involved in a lively discussion about the comeback of polka dots. For ten minutes, women passionately debated the virtues of "classic monochrome" against "retro red," showing just how high the fashion stakes were.
"The Birdcage is back, baby - and this year at Flemington's Derby Day, it felt like Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-soaked chaos had finally roared back to life."
"For one glorious afternoon of Gatsby-esque extravagance, we all forgot we were in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis."
"The atmosphere was thick with perfume, gossip - and, in one marquee at least, MDMA."
Author’s summary: The Birdcage’s return brought a lavish, vibrant atmosphere to Derby Day, blending high fashion, luxury brands, and unexpected social moments that revived Melbourne’s celebratory spirit.