Formula fashion
What race? Reviewing Formula 1 fashion: Look at what she was wearing
$50,000 bottle service, high hemlines, 24k gold-flaked champagne and leather boots & fur galore. No, I’m not profiling a cougar convention or a normal evening for Donald Trump, I’m reporting about the floss and fashion seen at this weekend’s Formula One race and after-parties.
This weekend set records in Formula 1 history for most attendees and made Austin history for most overpriced bar tabs. But all in all, the event was a great success for race and fashion fans alike.
While some of you did follow my advice in last week's “Top 10 Formula 1 fashion dos and don'ts,” there were a few victims of fashion road kill to be seen at the Circuit of the Americas.
The Red Bull party held at Brazos Hall was Austin's high-octane VIP event. Party goers rocked street smart looks that let them enjoy the evening's main event: Dancing your ass off
At the track
The most common fashion mistake? Uncomfortable shoes — shoes that made girls move like robots after simply walking from the parking lot to the grandstand. A number of girls at the race suffered from a classic case of the “bargain shoe limp.”
We’ve all witnessed ladies on Sixth Street at 2:00 a.m. as they try to endure the torture of a Forever 21 pump — the COTA track was no different.
European ladies fared far better in the shoe department as they unanimously opted for chic over the knee boots paired with skinny jeans and leather bomber jackets.
There were a few individuals who rocked red leather boots, which if you could find them, were extremely cute. Other notable staples of F1 fashion were the fur or faux fur vest and pashmina scarf. These were great assets to have since the temperature varied heavily over the weekend and a touch of fur or color instantly made ladies look put together.
Sequin hot pants and UGGS replaced MyYacht’s demure elegance.
On the town
Austin’s biggest Formula 1 VIP parties were over the top extravagant. $50,000 for a table? $9,000 for gold chunks in my champagne? Lounge 88 and MyYacht topped the charts with their party price tags.
Style-wise, both parties brought an exciting euro-vibe, much different from say an Austin gala or a Saturday night at the W. House music blasted from the speakers as ladies donned edgy chic looks that packed a punch while remaining classy.
Spiked heels, crimson lips and sideswept locks evoking a Lauren Bacall romance held top billing for after-party style.
While most attendees looked svelte, some promotional model outfits were anything but classy or attractive. Tip to party planners: If you intend to hire models to add sizzle to your event, make sure their costumes fit them.
Two words: Gold Spandex. Promo models had to wear crop top and capri pant gold spandex so tight you would have to be Ryan Lochte to make it look good — let’s linger on that image for a second — ok back to the article.
The Red Bull party held at Brazos Hall was Austin's high-octane VIP event. Party goers rocked street smart looks that let them enjoy the evening's main event: Dancing your ass off. Guys and gals alike were not afraid to bust a move as the dance floor expanded to take up two floors. Red Bull celebrated the adrenaline of the serious race fan.
Sequin hot pants and UGGS replaced MyYacht’s demure elegance. Many partygoers simply wore a race jersey with varying levels of party uniform below the belt. It was a modern sophisticated race themed frat party for adults.
The best accessory I saw throughout the weekend though was a smile plastered on everyone’s face. Formula 1 brought an infectious happiness to Austin that made even the most hardened of Austinites feel excited.
Maybe it was the open bar or the Ferraris littering the Warehouse district, whatever it was; everyone seemed to be having a good time. The international buzz Circuit of the America created in our town will create waves for decades to come, helping launch Austin into a global destination.