Total Joy. And a complete bow down to a QLD icon.
⁠
We always like to ask clever people to help us tell the story of our campaigns & collections. We knew the impeccable Kimberley Gardner & her gorgeous daughter Lulu would be perfect to style our Spring Carnival campaign, but we just didn't know quite how much. The joy in receiving such beautifully put together, happy divine images knows no bounds. And what a daily double. You can just feel the fun coming off the page.⁠
⁠
Kimberly dresses notable figures such as Zara Phillips (collaborating closely with her stylist from the UK), Nacho & Delfina Blaquiere equivalent polo royalty (check out their stables) for their annual Australian pilgrimage to the Magic Millions carnival. ⁠

Please tell us about how you ended up so involved in the Magic Millions carnival.

Fortunately, I was referred to MM by a makeup artist…forever grateful!

Have you always had a background in racing/ horses?

Yes my family has always been in country racing…I grew up on cattle properties, I was riding by the age of 2.
A snippet from the archives of my great grandfather:

"In 1901, Thomas Knowles sold his property to Edwin Pike, of the firm Pike Bros, a successful Brisbane draper and gentleman’s outfitter. He resided at this address until he sold the property in 1916 to a pastoralist, Michael (Mick) Ryan, who subdivided it into more residential allotments for his family in 1935, keeping the house named Cranagh. 

The Prince of Wales is said to have visited the house in 1921 and the ballroom was added in anticipation of this occasion. The Prince attended a race meeting during his visit and allegedly commiserated with Ryan when his horse dropped dead during the race. Ryan was said to be a great gambler who was a member of the Queensland Turf Club committee. The Queen Mother also reputedly visited the house in 1928."

What Dress Code do you love the best?

For me Derby Day, male and females all look super chic in black and white.Great photos as well!

Best Country Carnival?

Springsure (Central Queensland) St Patricks race day. We sponsored our father’s memorial race for awhile and my Grandfather and others designed the event to boost the funds of the parish back in 1950.


Who has been your favourite person to style?

Too many! There are only a few I haven’t enjoyed but my lips are sealed.

What trends are you predicting to be everywhere by the track this season?

Head scarves, massive trend for European summer which will cross over to the track.

Where do you find the best ...?

Shoes: Maryon’s, Brisbane
Sunglasses: Valley Eyewear, Currumbin
Bag: Dries Van Noten
Jewels: Camargue, Brisbane
Lipstick: Hermes orange
Fragrance: Light…changes all the time
Nail polish: nude

What is your race day drink of choice?

Lots of water and champers



What’s always in your bag?

Lipstick

Favourite Melbourne haunt if heading to the Carnival?

Entrecote, Prahran

Local tips for visitors to the Magic Millions Carnival?

It’s not the Spring Carnival, very hot and dress accordingly.