Attention Canberra, it is time to do away with sensible style and embrace bright floral prints, bow ties and braces for the inaugural Burley Griffin Regatta.
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Taking place on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin on Saturday, the first ever rowing regatta will be enforcing strict dress codes for guests.
Similar to the Stewards Enclosure of the exclusive Henley Royal Regatta, ladies are encouraged to embrace this season's bold colours, floral prints, headwear and demure hemlines while organisers are keen to see gentleman "get preppy".
"We're not going to be incredibly strict for year one but we are just pushing for people to make an effort," Burley Griffin Regatta fashion co-ordinator Koa Whelan said.
"The event is about encouraging everyone to push the boundaries of style. Men should get preppy with braces, boater shoes and bow ties and the girls can really dress up.
"Apart from the great horse racing events we have here in Canberra we don't really have a lot of fashion conscious events. Things are a lot more casual."
With help from local fashion experts including John Hanna, Momento and Soho Dezigns owner Roz Wright, Ms Whelan and the team behind the Regatta, Signature 27, organised a fashion parade recently to showcase examples of how guests should be dressed when sipping Pimms by the water and aiming to impress fashion judge, Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson.
Ms Dawson, a friend of the Regatta mastermind Chris Cairns, will be attending to present $5000 worth of cash prizes to the best dressed lady and gentleman on the day.
"Canberra is a blank canvas, hospitality wise. This type of event is something new and exciting and mixes the best of what we have to offer an intelligent community – a stylish event with Parliament House and all the great landmarks in the background and 20 Olympians competing on the water," Mr Cairns said.
According to the official regatta style guide ladies are to wear "an opulent dress falling just above the knee"; a fascinator and gloves are optional.
For the men, the rules ask for light or khaki trousers, a sports coat or vest and a light coloured vest to be worn.
Sunglasses are to be carried in your top pocket square and either a Panama, boat or Milan hat would be preferred.
Tickets and more information is available at www.burleygriffinregatta.com.au
