Australian fashion dominates stars at Melbourne Cup birdcage

While most kept their eyes on the horses racing on the field, a new trend swept Melbourne Cup’s exclusive birdcage.

Although there was only one victorious champion at the end of the Melbourne Cup, it was homegrown fashion that really stole the show.

Spring racing is the perfect opportunity for attendees to break out their brightest colours and most extravagant headpieces, and this year, the focus was truly on Australian designers, with some of the biggest celebrities donning their favourite homegrown pieces.

Nicky Hilton Rothschild looks stunning in lemon yellow in The Birdcage. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Australian designer Rebecca Valance and American socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild in The Birdcage. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

American socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild, who has embraced the Melbourne Cup as one of the key events on her social calendar, stepped out in one of the leading Australian designers of the moment, Rebecca Vallance.

The star recently collaborated with the Australian designer on a series of party looks ahead of the holiday season, and celebrated the launch by donning a lemon yellow off-the-shoulder top with a pleated midi skirt.

British actor and superstar Elizabeth Hurely was another who took the trend in her stride too, looking radiant in her striking canary yellow midi dress, which was also created by Australian talent Rebecca Vallance.

Liz Hurley and her son Damian looking radiant as they make an appearance in The Birdcage. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Former jockey Michelle Payne was embracing the designers from Down Under too, wearing an exceptional gold mini dress from Jason Grech, who originally hails from Melbourne.

“The one and only,” Ms Payne said as she showed off her look. “He’s a master!”

Model Renee Fay Lamb also caused a commotion by wearing an emerald green dress from another famous Australian label, Pilgrim, complete with a stunning peacock-adorned fascinator and black accessories.

Michelle Payne wearing Australian designer Jason Grech.. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Model Renee Fay Lamb donned a fitted midi dress from Pilgrim. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

For fashion designer and influencer Nadia Bartel, finding the perfect outfit was more than just what looked good in photos, it was about empowering Australian women in the fashion industry.

Wearing an ice blue mini dress from Lilian Khallouf, the influencer said she began working on the custom look a few weeks ago.

Nadia Bartel in ice blue Lilian Khallouf at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Newswire / Alexandra Feiam

“(Lilian) is an incredible Australian designer,” Ms Bartel told Newswire.

“I love that she is so powerful as a woman, and everything she creates is so unique; she’s killing it, so I wanted to support her today.”

Inspired by the sporty-chic trend that has taken over the industry of late, partly influenced by films such as Challengers, Ms Bartel wanted to make sure she found the perfect balance between athleticism and race-day style.

Attendee Tarni Payne wearing Australian designer Aje at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Newswire / Alexandra Feiam

Alicia Marshall, wearing Vivienna Lorikeet in the Bird Cage at the Melbourne Cup. Picture: Newswire / Alexandra Feiam

It wasn’t just the celebrities who rocked out with their favourite Aussie pieces; attendees strutting around in the Birdcage were quick to spill the details on their dresses, the majority of which were crafted by some of the country’s most revered designers, including Aje, Zimmerman, Rebecca Vallance and Vivienna Lorikeet.

This year, while most keep their eyes on the horses racing on the field over the Spring racing carnival, we’re putting our money on the best designers Australia has to offer.

Originally published as Australian fashion dominates stars at Melbourne Cup birdcage