Secrets of the Birdcage - and my 'date' with a marquee lounge lizard
The Birdcage is back, baby. This year at Flemington's Derby Day, Melbourne’s pre-pandemic, champagne-soaked chaos finally roared back to life, writes Jana Hocking.
The marquees left nothing to chance. For one dazzling afternoon of Gatsby-style extravagance, attendees forgot about the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Brands like Crown, Mumm, Lexus, Don Julio, and TAB all boosted their budgets noticeably, creating a spectacular scene.
Where stories begin: the ladies' bathrooms
The air was thick with perfume, gossip, and in at least one marquee, the presence of MDMA—the recreational drug once called 'pingers', favored by some non-famous racegoers.
The drug we once called 'pingers' appeared to be the recreational pharmaceutical of choice for a certain set of non-famous racegoers.
Reluctantly, I got caught in a lively debate about the comeback of polka dots. For ten minutes, women passionately argued the merits of 'classic monochrome' versus 'retro red' patterns, showing that fashion stakes were incredibly high.
Fashion fervor and extravagance collide
- The atmosphere mirrored pre-pandemic vibrancy.
- Luxury brands invested heavily in their marquees.
- Recreational drug use hinted at a wild, carefree crowd.
- Fashion debates revealed deep appreciation for vintage styles.
Despite the challenges outside, the Birdcage brought a momentary escape filled with glamour, drama, and spirited conversation.
Author's summary: The return of the Birdcage at Flemington's Derby Day reignited Melbourne's vibrant social scene with lavish marquees, lively debates, and a carefree atmosphere.