Donny Galella’s Secret Tips For Race Day Fashion

Donny Galella has dressed some of Australia’s brightest stars including Jennifer Hawkins, Dannii Minogue and Jessica Mauboy, plus huge international A-listers like Sophia Loren and Kelly Rowland. As a Fashion Stylist, Makeover Expert & Style Blogger, he appears weekly on Channel 7’s The Morning Show and performed the makeovers on the hit show Beauty and the Geek (2013 & 2014). We were lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with him trackside about his top tips come race day.

Rule Breaker

“Break the rules a little bit, guys don’t always have to wear a suit. I went for a custom-made blazer by Sartorial Bay in Paddington, and some Target chinos. I’ve matched my tie back up to my pants. I know that showing a bit of ankle is all the rage, but I’ve gone for a little bit of a sock today, so just having fun.”

Bow To Burgundy

“It’s all about that beautiful plum, merlot colour, which is everywhere today and big colour for the season. The current Miss Universe, Monika Radulovic, is wearing a burgundy Karen Millen dress and a gorgeous headpiece by Loco Poco Designs.”

A Curtsey To Crowns

“The headband look is very Dolce and Gabbana inspired; it’s all about opulence with crowns and tiaras. We’re really moving away from feathery headpieces to very sculptural pieces and those crowns. Viktoria Novak is probably Australia’s biggest milliner right now and I’ve probably spotted about 500 of them today!”

Get The Low-Down

“For me as a stylist, it’s all about high-low, we all don’t have big budgets to spend on race day, so wear something old, add something new. The gorgeous host of The Biggest Loser, Fiona Falkiner, is wearing a vintage dress with a Loco Po headpiece and Target clutch and shoes.”

Stick To The Season

“For Autumn, my absolute ‘do’ is you must wear a headpiece, always wear something on your head, even if it’s just a small something. If you are going to wear a hat make sure it’s felt not straw, straw is Spring. And embrace colour, today’s more about colour.”

Mr Nice Guy

“For guys, either wear a suit, nice shirt and tie or mix it up with a blazer and pant. But remember you’re going to the races so keep it elegant and classy, that’s the most important thing.”