BWA Chats Headwear-Style With Nerida Winter

Celebrity milliner Nerida Winter is famous for adding glamour and elegance to racetracks worldwide.

Winter counts Princess Mary, Kate Waterhouse, Miranda Kerr, Jesinta Campbell, Dannii Minogue and Leona Edmiston as clients, and her pieces also regularly grace the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Elle!

Rosie wearing one of Nerida’s stunning straw hats in Harpers Bazaar. Image: Nerida Winter

Her namesake headwear label ‘Nerida Winter’ is the official milliner and ambassador of the ATC’s Royal Randwick, and has attracted a cult following amongst racing royalty, celebrities, and fashion lovers alike.

Nerida Winter at Randwick. Courtesy, Nerida Winter.

As Sydney Autumn Racing season draws to a close, the Spring season is already in our sights! We caught up with Nerida to talk race day style 2015…

BWA: What are the biggest trend/s for race headwear in 2015?

Nerida: This Autumn / Winter season we have been focussing on extreme proportions:

• Exaggerated wide brim hats that translated styles from the runway to the track, in shades of grey, reds, mixed berry tones, navy and black.
• Small and refined fine lace, feathered and jewelled headbands which enhance a more subtle mood.
• 70’s style fedoras and boaters are both strong, key pieces to wear this year.

A stunning Nerida Winter piece featured in a recent editorial. Image: www.neridawinter.com

BWA: What is your personal favourite look when it comes to raceday headwear?

Nerida: Race days are all about putting your most glamorous self together – Headwear is essential and will differentiate you from the pack so I always like a bit of adventure in my pieces, whether that is a romantic lace, a punk mohawk or ladylike extravagance.

BWA: What looks are a big no-no for Autumn Carnival?

Straw is traditionally a summer fibre and is best kept for Spring. The rich textures of fur, felts, leather and velvets are luxurious and perfect for Autumn racing.

BWA: If someone could only buy one piece of racing headwear, what would you suggest they invest in?

Nerida: I’m possibly not the most sensible person when it comes to fashion – so, if I could only buy one piece, I would buy the one I love the most! It’s on your head – you have to love it and feel good in it!

Miranda Kerr and Megan Gale both sporting netted headpieces by Nerida Winter. Image: Nerida Winter.

BWA: Which celebrity client has given you the greatest thrill?

Nerida: Working with Nicole Richie this season has been fabulous – her love of fashion makes her look so effortless and her energy is amazing.

Images: www.neridawinter.com

BWA: Any other essential tips for race day style?

Nerida: When dressing for the track, the big thing to remember is that it a race DAY. That means no evening clothes! Keep it chic, keep it simple and enjoy the horses as well as the fashion.