Secrets of the Birdcage and a Run-In with a Marquee Lounge Lizard
The Birdcage is back at Flemington's Derby Day, and this year it revived Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-filled frenzy, Jana Hocking writes. The marquees went all out, creating a Gatsby-style extravaganza that momentarily erased concerns about the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Major sponsors like Crown, Mumm, Lexus, Don Julio, and TAB clearly increased their budgets, contributing to a spectacular atmosphere.
Where Stories Begin: The Ladies' Bathrooms
The air inside was heavy with perfume and gossip—and in at least one marquee, the presence of MDMA. The drug, once nicknamed 'pingers,' seemed to be the favored recreational choice among a segment of non-famous racegoers.
Inside the ladies' bathrooms, I was reluctantly caught in a lively debate over fashion. For ten minutes, women fiercely defended the style battle between "classic monochrome" and "retro red" polka dots, highlighting the high stakes of fashion at the event.
"The Birdcage is back, baby - and this year at Flemington's Derby Day, it felt like Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-soaked chaos had finally roared back to life."
"Inside the bathrooms, I found myself - somewhat reluctantly - drawn into a spirited debate about the resurgence of polka dots."
Author’s summary: The Birdcage’s return brought lavish luxury and lively debates, encapsulating Melbourne’s vibrant social scene despite ongoing economic strains.
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