On The Radar - This Week: The Shrimpton Shift

The Sunday Age

Sunday September 30, 2007

Rachel Wells

Embrace an easy elegance at the track this spring, writes Rachel Wells

Forty-two years ago, the sight of Jean Shrimpton at Derby Day - pictured left in a shift, sans hat, gloves and stockings - was enough to shock the nation. This spring racing carnival, the shift will be one of the most popular track-side looks. But unlike 1965, you can bet your bottom dollar that no one will bat an eyelid.

In fact, if recent race seasons are anything to go by, the shift will be one of the more demure looks - along with the ubiquitous maxi dress.

Heck, it would take a lot more than a modest little shift dress to ruffle the feathers of the racing establishment these days. With younger people swelling crowd numbers, the traditional skirt suit, complete with stockings and gloves, is more likely to provoke a double take. In its place is a mishmash of cocktail and sun dresses that sometimes leave little to the

imagination.

But for those wishing for a return to some good old-fashioned elegance, without dragging out the gloves, the shift is the perfect option.

The prettiest can be found in lace, in ivory and white and classic combinations of black and white, at Thurley; in cream muslin with brocade trims at Jacqui Alexander; in delicate silks with highlight embroidery or demure bow details at Zayt; in knee-skimming, stiff cotton versions at Veronika Maine; in glossy whites and cream at DECJUBA; lace-trimmed styles at Camilla and Marc; and in a knock-out white halter version at Nicholson.

And you can rest assured your little white shift won't shock the matrons of Melbourne's racing establishment. On the contrary, they will probably stop and smile and compliment you on your ladylike ensemble. How things have changed.

STOCKISTS

DECJUBA 9563 1611

Jacqui Alexander 9525 1811

Thurley 9347 8888 Zayt 9650 6262

© 2007 The Sunday Age

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