Melbourne Cup Day Brisbane: Local celebrities out in force
Objects became flying hazards on a gusty Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane, but it wasn’t enough to deter the WAGs and other local celebrities from dressing up and stepping out.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
BRISBANE went bold at a gusty Eagle Farm Racecourse for Melbourne Cup Day.
Fascinators took off, dresses dared to show a little too much and signs, plants and umbrellas became flying hazards as celebrities, star athletes and punters braved strong winds to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day trackside.
Melbourne Cup celebrations: Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate goes off after backing winner
Racegoers keep the party going long after the Melbourne Cup
Melbourne Cup 2019 winner, live results: Vow and Declare wins, protest upheld
Brisbane Lions players and keen punters Josh Walker, Darcy Gardiner, Lachie Neale and Dayne Zorko were among the first to arrive, while netballers Clare McMeniman, Gretel Tippett and Emma Tickner were also enjoying a day out.
In the fashions stakes Kimberley Busteed proved that Brisbane label Wil Valor wasn’t just about menswear, turning heads in a bespoke plaid suit.
She celebrated in the Lexus marquee with athletes Chris Lynn and Anthony Faingaa.
In the Birdcage, star couple Troy Cassar-Daley and Laurel Edwards soaked up the action, as did Channel 7’s Max Futcher and Sharyn Ghidella, who was among the winning punters.
Ranger Stacey Thompson was in Channel 10’s private marquee, alongside Survivor’s Daisy Richardson.
Conrad Sewell performed from 5pm.
First past fashion post
BRISBANE’S Claire Bondfield was a shocked winner of the Billy J Boutique Fashions on the Field Competition at Eagle Farm.
The fashion enthusiast from Carina, who works for Tangalooma Resort, took home almost $1500 worth of prizes for an outfit she estimated cost around $500.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” said Bondfield, who picked up her dress from Country Road and styled it with a hat she made herself.
“I bought the base and then I painted it and added the hat band to match.
“I love orange it’s my favourite colour and I’m so excited it’s trending this season so that’s the inspiration.”
Meanwhile, men’s winner Paul Colthurst, of Brighton, was coerced to enter by his wife Maureen, who constructed his outfit from scrap fabric she had at home.
In the Valley they party
FROM models, designers, newsreaders and cricket WAGS – the city’s movers and shakers flocked to James St for Melbourne Cup festivities.
BFFs Erin Holland, wife of cricketer Ben Cutting, and Rachel Khawaja,wife to Usman Khawaja, looked stunning as they soaked up the sun and watched the race at Gerard’s Bistro in Fortitude Valley.
Also in attendance was model Isabella Gray, who was wearing a green dress from Bec and Bridge, and stylist Izi Anguswho wore her “dream dress” from House of CB.
Venroy founder and designer Sean Venturi and Edward Stubbs were in Brisbane from Sydney for the Melbourne Cup event, and expressed how friendly everyone in the city was.
On the other side of the road at James St, Samantha Heathwood hosted the Melbourne Cup event at Hellenika at The Calile.
The newsreader looked stunning in yellow, and was wearing a vibrant headband by Brisbane designer Felicity Boevink, made out of fabric from Dolce & Gabbana.
Champagne and canapes were flowing in both venues as socialites partied.
Taking it to the Bank
FASHION was first and foremost at Brisbane’s luxury Emporium Hotel – with one guest pulling together a last-minute showstopping touch to her outfit.
Belle Reid was one of the fashion standouts for the Melbourne Cup event at the South Bank hotel, but her eye-catching outfit came together at the very last minute and required a bit of extra handiwork.
“My dress arrived at about 6pm on Monday night since I brought it online,” Reid said.
Her fascinator was originally white before she ducked down to Bunnings early in the day to paint it red.
Rebecca Kroon, lawyer turned designer of Robe, was wearing a bespoke piece she designed particularly for the event.
“I just wanted it to be fun,” Kroon said.
“I love the fashion during Melbourne Cup.”
Channel 7 presenter Sammie O’Brienalso opted for a bespoke dress from Isabella Longginou.
Guests at the Emporium Hotel were treated to a four-hour premium beverage package with gourmet canapes, oysters and live music by The Voice finalist Zeek Power.
State treasure
WHEN it comes to the Thaiday household, Rachel is the punter of the pair.
Retired rugby league legend Sam Thaiday was the Melbourne Cup ambassador for Treasury Brisbane, along with fashion stylist Christie Sutherland.
Treasury Brisbane catered for 600 people in what was their biggest sold-out Melbourne Cup event.
While Sam and Christie liked to back the horse depending on the name, Sam said wife Rachel researched the horse and jockey.
Among the well-dressed guests was Herman Wheeler, who arrived in Brisbane from Boston a few days ago, and Richard Freeman.
Brisbane fashion coup as duo set up shop
A favourite label of Australia’s “first lady” will open a store-within-a-store in Brisbane City after closing their flagship Gold Coast outlet at the start of the year.
Kay McGrath to step down from anchor role
She is one of Queensland’s most famous faces but Kay McGrath has decided the time is right to read her final news bulletin. Find out what she’ll do next and who will replace her.