Secrets of the Birdcage - and my 'date' with a marquee lounge lizard

Secrets of the Birdcage - and my 'date' with a marquee lounge lizard

The Birdcage is back, and this year at Flemington's Derby Day, Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-fueled chaos felt vibrantly revived, writes Jana Hocking.

The marquees pulled out all the stops. For a dazzling afternoon of Gatsby-style luxury, guests momentarily forgot the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Sponsors such as Crown, Mumm, Lexus, Don Julio, and TAB clearly increased their budgets, creating a spectacular scene.

Where all good stories begin: the ladies' bathrooms

The air was thick with perfume and gossip — and in one marquee at least, MDMA. Yes, the drug once called "pingers" seemed to be the recreational choice for a particular group of non-famous racegoers.

Inside the bathrooms, I found myself reluctantly caught up in a lively debate over the return of polka dots. For about ten minutes, women passionately debated the merits of "classic monochrome" versus "retro red," showing that the fashion stakes were very high.

"The Birdcage is back, baby - and this year at Flemington's Derby Day, it felt like Melbourne's pre-pandemic, champagne-soaked chaos had finally roared back to life."

"The drug we once called 'pingers' appeared to be the recreational pharmaceutical of choice for a certain set of non-famous racegoers."

"For a solid ten minutes, I was trapped listening to women passionately argue the merits of 'classic monochrome' versus 'retro red'. The fashion stakes, it seemed, were sky-high."

Author's summary: The Birdcage at Flemington's Derby Day returned with lavish energy, blending extravagant sponsorships, subtle subcultures, and spirited fashion debates, reviving Melbourne's festive spirit.

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Daily Mail Daily Mail — 2025-11-03

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