Stars and punters show off Derby Day fashions
DRIZZLY Melbourne weather wasn’t enough to stop the stars and fashion elite from stepping out in their finest for Derby Day.
THE skies were dark grey and the dress code was strictly black and white.
But there was no shortage of colour as the stars, fashionistas, punters and thrillseekers stepped out at a wet and chilly Flemington Race Track for Derby Day this morning.
About 90,000 racegoers turned out for the Melbourne’s 2015 Spring Racing Carnival event.
The earlybirds this morning set the fashion bar high as many showed off their finery and others showed rules were made to be broken.
Among the stars spotted trackside were Hollywood actor Hilary Swank, Aussie screen siren Gracie Otto, Fashion Police host Melissa Rivers, catwalk queens Jennifer Hawkins and Jessica Gomes, Channel Seven golden girls Samantha Armytage and Edwina Bartholomew, and radio personality Emma Freedman.
Reality TV stars were also out in full force with a swag of former The Bachelor cast members, including Tim Robards, Anna Heinreich, Sam Wood each putting their best fashion foot forward
Melissa — daughter of the late Joan Rivers — told news.com.au she was on site as a guest of the E! Channel and Mumm champagne.
She said race days weren’t normally on the Fashion Police agenda but, like the Kentucky Derby, she would hold off on making any judgments on the local style until later.
Melissa said her late mother was always with her and that her spirit would be looking down and advising her daughter what she really thought of some of the Derby Day outfits.
The biggest name guest of the day, Hilary Swank, made a fleeting appearance in the marquee of vitamin company, Swisse.
What was originally just a photo opportunity for the media turned into the world’s shortest media conference with just one question asked and answered.
When asked what designer she was wearing to Derby Day, she swiftly answered, “Christopher Esber”. And like that, she waved and was whisked away from the media crew.
The constant showers had most people staying inside marquees including Myer, Emirates, Lexus, Swiss or Lavassa, without the usual prancing that happens most other years.
Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow was absent from the mix. The star was rumoured to have turned down an invitation to the event.
Fashion blogger and social media whiz Margaret Zhang crushed the box like only a style-forward entrepreneur can — wearing gold head jewellery, a navy coat with extra long sleeves over a black, frilled skirt and open-toe boots.
Homegrown model Jess Hart was snapped grinning from ear to ear as she arrived at the prestigious Swisse marquee wearing a print dress and bold accessories.
TV personality Johanna Griggs stuck to the dress code, donning block colour separates and a wide-brimmed hat, and was one of the first stars to appear at the Emirates marquee.
Actor Daniel McPherson looked sharp in a clean cut suit and a pair of the shiniest shoes in town, proving fashion — and attention to detail — isn’t all about the ladies. Model brothers Zac and Jordan Stenmark complemented each other perfectly in shades of black, white and grey.
Other celebrities and revellers took to social media to show off their get-ups as they prepared for a day of frivolity, bubbles and high fashion.
Myer ambassador and spring racing regular Rachael Finch teased her Instagram followers with a black and white photo of the back of her striking dress as she left for the track.
The fashion stakes didn’t disappoint with the start of the Myer Fashions on the Field competition for both women and men. Courtney Moore was named Myer Fashions on the Field Women’s racewear winner with Charlotte Moor taking out second place.
Looking relaxed and happy in the incredibly chic British-themed Emirates marquee was Julie Bishop and her partner David Panton. Ms Bishop looked happy to be having a few hours of ‘down time’ but with a zillion people requesting pics with her, does it ever happen?
In the very buzzy and busy Myer marquee, Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage looked fresh and chic having had a girlfriend create a fresh flowered headpiece.
“The day certainly isn’t as busy as other Derby days there’s actually a really lovely feeling and personally I love the black-and-white theme, “ Armytage said.
“I had a girlfriend make my fresh rose headpiece this morning so was nice just to feel relaxed and have a friend create something very relaxed and pretty for me.”
Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse said there were rules in fashion that race goers should stick by. “It’s an elegant day, it’s a smart day and it’s not a nightclub,” Ms Waterhouse said.
“Out of all the days I really like the microphone theme of Derby Day and isn’t a day to be showing too much skin.’’
Organisers have dubbed the event “the day for classic elegance, and sets the pace for the entire week”.
Oh, and, apparently, there were some horses racing too.
“Considered by many to be the most prestigious day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Derby Day embodies a world of glamour and sophistication — only to be matched by an impressive day of all black type races,” organisers said.
The feature race of the day, the Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby, boasts an impressive prize money of over $1 million.
Originally published as Stars and punters show off Derby Day fashions
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