Nerida Winter knows Spring Racing Carnival – after all, she has firmly secured her place as Australia’s premier milliner, with everyone from the Crown Princess Mary to Miranda Kerr wearing her designs. Her hats contain the most delicate of hand-crafted materials to create bespoke designs that ‘articulate the individuality of the wearer’. Find out what you need to wear to ensure you are the best dressed on the field!

What does Spring Racing mean to you?
Spring Racing is all about elegance and glamour. It’s about getting dressed up and being inspired by a new season of fashion.　　

Is there a different philosophy behind designing a piece for Spring Racing as opposed to another occasion such as a wedding?
There used to be, but the lines are now blurred. You can do an avant-garde wedding where the bride is in a fabulous black sculptural headpiece and then a classic ‘old school’ race hat. It's all about state of mind! 　

What are the differences between headwear for Autumn Carnival and Spring Carnival?
Spring is time to embrace lighter fibres of straw, lace and silk. Felts and velvets should be kept strictly for autumn.

What are the big hat trends for this year?
Hats this season are the most exciting we've seen. The royal wedding and celebrities such as Lady Gaga have paved the way for more adventurous couture pieces. Sculptural headpieces and hats have grown in size and the token fascinator is no longer an option.

What are the key colours for this year?
This spring, it’s all about colour, and lots of it! Hyper shades of citrus, tangerine, poppy, violet, fab pinks and cobalt blues are my faves. Colour blocking is a contemporary look that is perfect for the track. Also, white is a super fresh statement for this coming Derby Day.

Where do you source the materials to create your pieces? Approximately how long does it take to create a piece?
Materials come from all over the world and I'll work with any malleable fibre no matter where it comes from. Creation starts with thought so time is immeasurable on most of my work.

When it comes to choosing a colour are there any tips on picking something that’s right for your complexion?
As with shapes,shades and tones of colours change with fashion. When you hold up a colour to your face you want it to enhance your skin tone not drain it.

Are there certain ways to style hair with particular hats?
A good rule is, the bigger and more ornate the hat, the less hair you want to see. Smaller and simpler styles can look amazing with a good blow-dry.

You must attend so many race days – what are your essentials?
Good grooming is my number one – make time for a blow-dry and a mani/pedi.　

What would we find in your clutch at the races?
My clutch is never big enough! I have a difficult time travelling light! I have my Sisley sun cream, Benefit compact and Chanel lippy for touch-ups, the race program and, of course, some betting money! I also have my phone, keys, tickets, peppermints, and in some cases a mini umbrella gets squeezed in. I always hope my clasp will hold it all together!

What are your race day survival tips?
To survive the day, don't wear new heels – wear them in a little first and take gel pads and Band-Aids just in case, as it's never a good look to take your shoes off at the track! Also, make sure you drink lots of water and don't forget to eat! And finally, pre-arranged transport is a wonderful way to end the day.

To find out more about Nerida Winter’s designs, head to www.neridawinter.com 

Sam wears: Dress, $799 Carl Kapp, Hat, $995 Nerida Winter, Ring $130 Rachel Ruddick. All pieces are available at David Jones (13 33 57)