Now in its 61st year, Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field kicked off in The Park with traditional black and white styles dominating. In hotly contested finals, the top three for both categories were selected with the Best Dressed winners Eleanor Campbell, Lily Simons and Holly Webb along with the Best Suited winners Steven Giofches, Maree Horseman and Lou Smith all heading straight into the grand final on Kennedy Oaks Day.
The creative and design-led Emerging Designer Award was judged by an elite panel including fashion designer Rebecca Vallance and Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassadors Count Nikolai of Monpezat and Christian Wilkins. The winner was Melbourne-based creative Jessica Virk who is currently undertaking her final year in Bachelor of Fashion Design at Whitehouse. With a passion for experimenting with different fabrics and construction techniques, her winning look was an incredible mix of traditional shapes with a newfound modernity.
Victoria Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Steve Rosich said the club was thrilled to have racegoers flock to Flemington in large numbers for a perfect day of spring racing, fashion, food and fun.
“Penfolds Victoria Derby Day is a day for the racing purists but there was something for everyone on course today, from fashion to food to world-class racing,” Mr Rosich said.
“More than 73,000 people made for a magic day with every corner of Flemington filled with the colour and excitement that we know and love about the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“From Riff Rocket’s flying finish in the Penfolds Victoria Derby Day to a winning double for the legendary Damien Oliver, the opening day of Cup Week set the scene for a stellar Lexus Melbourne Cup Day.