KEY POINTS:
What everyone is wearing may be first and foremost on everyone's mind on Derby Day (except for the actual racing, of course), but there's more to raceday design than just fashion. Each corporate marquee is designed especially, and a "best-dressed" marquee competition runs on the day. Interior designer Sonya Cotter is working on Westpac's marquee this year and has experience on her side: she took first prize in last year's competition with her 1920s-inspired black and white tent for the bank.
"This year we're going a bit wilder, while still using traditional Derby Day black and white colours," she says. "I won't reveal too much, but let's say it will transport guests to another continent!"
Cotter, who runs her own interior design business, In Situ Design, and also works as a trend forecaster and colour consultant, says she loves raceday glamour and checking out the incredible outfits - and appreciates that almost as much thought goes into an outfit as she puts into her marquees. "It's not as simple as choosing a dress and a hat - colours, lines, textures and materials are all considered."
Ten favourite things
1 Tibetan rug
I just had to have my Tibetan wool and art-silk rug. I coveted it for over a year, and then just before Christmas bit the bullet and succumbed to its charm. I love the modern traditional features with its contemporary design, yet it has a feeling of the past.
2 Lara Bohinc cuff
This was a gift from my sister. The art deco-inspired scrolls are made from blackened gold and adorned with black pearls. While my sister was still living in London, my mother and I helped organised her wedding at a Matakana vineyard. This cuff was a thank you gift.
3 Rado True Jubile watch
High-tech ceramics, sapphire crystal, black, with 14 diamonds, Quartz movement ... If the high-tech ceramic, sapphire crystal perfection in itself is not enough to get your heart racing, I don't know what is! I don't have a one...yet. I just try one on every now and then while I am travelling overseas and dreaming.
4 Fisher & Paykel Izona
I love my Fisher & Paykel Izona cook surface. The hidden pan supports elevate from the glass at the push of a button and ignite, then retract down below its surface for extra space and an easy clean. My guests always want to have a play.
5 Christian Liaigre design book
I purchased this from Askew on my first day back from my Christmas holiday. Perfect for some inspiration for the New Year. Liaigre's attention to detail and use of natural materials instills a timeless texture into his elegant designs. This is his second book and it is beautifully photographed by Jean-Philippe Piter and published by Flammarion.
6 Milan Design Week
Milan's Salone Internationale del Mobile, Eurocucina and the various Satellite exhibitions that make up Milan's design week. Designers, retail buyers and the media descend on the Milan fair to see what's hot and what's not. It's five days of non-stop design, blistered feet and not enough sleep - then off gorgeous to Lake Como to recover before you fly home.
7 The Loveseat
This truly romantic seating by designer Karim Rashid was created for Veuve Clicquot. It's called the Loveseat and is two pink petals joined together by a chrome-plated pedestal. Just think about the conversations you could have in this seat while sharing a bottle of Veuve Clicquot rose!
8 Henritte Melchiorsen storage jar
It's exciting when you find something that is both practical and beautiful, not to mention versatile. This elegant storage jar is just the thing. When I have friends for drinks I fill it with antipasto treats and take to the table stacked high. Good clean design by Henritte Melchiorsen for Menu, purchased from Design Denmark.
9 Knut Hestergerg table
The table was designed in 1959 by Knut Hestergerg. I found it at Mid Century Design in Newmarket. The polished aluminium base supports the super-thick glass top. It has a real modern vintage quality. I think I am attracted to the juxtaposition of light and heavy.
10 Glamorous tents
I've started to research tent design and ways tents could be much better if only there were a few luxuries. Glamorous camping or "Glamping" is really more my style. No sleeping bag for me - I have crisp cotton sheets please!
