The Apartment: Racing colours

Frocks and fillies were the talk of the town last week as the Spring Racing Carnival rolled into Melbourne and captured the nation's fancy. But here at The Apartment, we wanted to shift the spotlight to another of the carnival's attractions: the Birdcage. This collection of hot-ticket enclosures, hosted by the likes of Lexus and Myer, is not your ordinary backyard marquee. Rather, each is a vision of interior styling brilliance, fully furnished and often double storey, complete with astonishing floral displays, make-up rooms and endless champagne. While the overall effect is positively lavish, these VIP parties are filled with ideas that you can bring to your own occasion - or home! Here are our odds-on favourites from the week.

1. Lexus
The look: Modern luxe, with a show-stopping floral ceiling installation by sustainable designer Joost Baker, and a lush sky deck created by Jamie Durie.
The food: Neil Perry's gourmet burgers, plus a gelato bar.
Style to steal: Make a statement overhead with hanging vases (available here) bursting with blooms. Gleaming gold furniture may be off the cards budget-wise, so add a touch of lustre with gold cutlery from West Elm .

Image via @margaret_zhang

Image via @lexusaustralia

Image via Lexus Australia/Chloe Paul

Image via @margaret_zhang

2. Myer
The look: A whimsical wonderland inspired by the colours and prints of the store's new spring/summer fashion collections, with handpainted orchids in abundance and a perfumery for the ladies.
The food: Fresh spring-themed canapes and to-die-for sweets, including pastel-hued pyramid chocolates from dessert designer Nectar & Stone (remember when we featured her, here?)
Style to steal: It's hard to go past the elegance of orchids (Fleur Florist in Armadale was responsible for these beauties), and even a few single stems can make major impact. If you're feeling generous, treat guests to a powder room-turned-perfume bar, as below.

Image via blog.myer.com.au

Image via @theglossarium

Image via @myer

Image via blog.myer.com.au

2. G.H. Mumm
The look: French Riviera chic - the marquee channelled a classic beach club by day and sparkling nightclub after hours.
The food: $5000-a-kilo caviar was flown in from overseas 24 hours before serving, and custom-made 12-litre bottles of Mumm were served up. Luxury may be an understatement.
Style to steal: Simple red and white striped linen (we like this tablecloth from Aura By Tracie Ellis) and vintage travel prints on the walls will transport your guests to St Tropez. And of course, serve champagne on tap.