Meredith will risk heels watching the race from the new viewing platform installed on four metres high on a bend in the track at the renovated Mercedes-AMG viewing lounge, one of the event’s high-end hospitality suites.
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On the asphalt surface things are more relaxed at the grand prix, unlike the Melbourne Cup Carnival, where dress codes in the Birdcage follow strict rules. The Mercedes lounge has no set dress code.
“Our customers and guests take smart casual as a minimum,” says Jerry Stamoulis, the head of brand engagement at Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia. “They tend to dress to impress.”
In past years impressing involved Beth Levis, wife of Cue clothing company executive director Justin Levis, wearing top-to-toe structured white Dion Lee and Melbourne influencers Ruby and Lucy Brownless in Bohemian Oroton pieces.
Brad Pitt’s bold choices for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.Credit: Getty
“I think women should dress in a way that reflects their own personal style, but I love a sleek and chic trackside look,” says Ilana Moses, owner of Melbourne’s Grace boutique.
“This could be anything from a matched vest and trouser look, a mini dress with boyfriend blazer, or a straight maxi skirt and tonal top.”
Moses suggests mixing and matching outfits from Tibi, Stella McCartney and Victoria Beckham.
“Ultimately, dressing for the weather and the length of your stay trackside is a factor in what you wear as looking uncomfortable is not chic,” she says.
The grand prix and parties surrounding the event have helped lift March sales for Moses.
“We have definitely noticed an uptick in business around the race, with some great events targeted at women and promoting style at the event. It’s great to see the sport embracing women, and women embracing a sport that has traditionally been for men,” she says.
The traditional dress approach for men is also changing. In Las Vegas, Brad Pitt attended the race wearing jeans, tinted sunglasses and a furry jacket worthy of his Fight Club character, Tyler Durden. At the British Grand Prix, Pitt wore a green Theory blazer with a matching T-shirt over jeans.
“Separates with volume and punch can escape the inherent suit-ism and corporate polo tops that abound these events,” says Sydney stylist Ken Thompson, who has been paying close attention to many of driver Lewis Hamilton’s bold choices.
If you’re stuck in a suit rut, Thompson suggests a more relaxed silhouette and ditching dandy aspirations.
“A slightly less Edwardian approach can extend the pinstripe to the pit stop,” he says.
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