Secrets of the Birdcage – and My "Date" with a Marquee Lounge Lizard
The Birdcage made a dazzling return this year at Flemington's Derby Day. According to Jana Hocking, it felt as if Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-fueled chaos had come roaring back to life. The event radiated the kind of glamour and excitement that many thought were left behind in the past few years.
The luxurious marquees spared no costs, turning the afternoon into a scene of pure Gatsby-inspired excess. For a few hours, guests seemed to forget all about the cost-of-living crisis and simply indulged in the high-energy atmosphere. Big names like Crown, Mumm, Lexus, Don Julio, and TAB all appeared to have expanded their budgets, putting on a glittering display that was hard to resist.
The Ladies' Bathroom Chronicles
As any great story does, this one found one of its most entertaining moments in the ladies' bathrooms. The air was rich with perfume, laughter, and the occasional hint of scandal. In one marquee, the vibe grew even wilder with unexpected traces of MDMA use among some non-celebrity attendees.
Meanwhile, amid the gossip and energy, a fierce discussion broke out over the return of polka dots. For nearly ten minutes, women enthusiastically debated the superiority of “classic monochrome” versus “retro red,” proving that Derby Day fashion remains a competition all its own.
“It felt like Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-soaked chaos had finally roared back to life.” — Jana Hocking
Author’s Summary
The Birdcage’s grand comeback at Derby Day blended glamour, gossip, and unabashed excess, capturing Melbourne’s thirst for celebration after years of restraint.