CRUZ Menswear’s Max Martinez says a fashion swing back to the more conservative, even formal, will add some genuine style to this year’s bet365 Swan Hill Cup Carnival.
And he’s loving it.
The co-owner and manager of the family business says while suits themselves will be understated, they will still be set off by the revival of bold pocket squares and ties/bowties with a statement to make.
“The pocket square is a must-have this season, offering a vibrant dash of colour, from block colours to patterns, as an eye-catching feature in your outfit,” Max explains.
“Plus the ongoing affair with fitted suits will only serve to highlight those personal touches the racegoer might want to add to their look for the day.
“Thank heavens for fitted suits, none of that baggy-legged look – the tailored sleeves and pant legs create striking lines and give the whole look some real panache.
“Floral was a thing in 2022 but that’s long gone, now it’s suits with pleats, with pinup (fine pinstripes) and checked de rigueur – with the pleats giving the look some real snap and definition.”
Max says shoes are an essential part of race day, with an overwhelming vote for lace-up models (with pointy toes, of course), ahead of anything else.
In fact, Max says he has not sold a single pair of loafers to anyone shopping for the Cup Carnival – and doesn’t expect to.
“Loafers are fabulous shoes, in the right place at the right time, but these big days at the races are not that place,” he says.
“Colours are almost all black or brown, in keeping with that more conservative look I mentioned earlier.”
According to Max, the other place for play – and for making a personal colour statement – is the necktie, which covers ties and bowties.
“Which means a very muted shirt, and we have seen a lot of white, ivory and very pale blue, going out the door with new suits and ties,” Max says.
“But if that part of the ensemble is subtle, the ties are anything but, and people are going right out there with their choices this year.”
Max says their racks are also much fuller this season – with overseas production back on line and some of the logistic issues challenging transport out of the way.
“Last year we were pushed to the limit, but this year – even allowing for the male shopping signature of trying to do everything at the last minute – we have plenty of stock and you won’t be disappointed with anything we have available before they’re racing.”
