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Celebrities skirt around strict race day fashion rules at Flemington

Australia’s celebrity set has ignored the Victoria Racing Club’s clear dress regulations and opted for racy, midriff baring dresses when they turned up for Derby Day celebrations.

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Bec Hewitt was slammed for her midriff-baring top in 2006 and model Rachael Finch was criticised for her cut-out dress in 2014 — but it seems celebrities are still yet to fully understand the strict racing dress codes.

Some of Derby Day’s most high-profile celebrities yesterday failed to adhere to Victoria Racing Club’s clear dress regulations, which stipulate garments which show any midriff are not acceptable.

Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles looked resplendent in a white tuxedo dress. However, the sexy cut-out across her stomach raised the eyebrows of the Flemington fashion police.

Is Elyse Knowles’ race day outfit too racy? Picture: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty
Is Elyse Knowles’ race day outfit too racy? Picture: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty
Nadia Bartel shows off her shoulders and midriff. Picture: Alex Coppel
Nadia Bartel shows off her shoulders and midriff. Picture: Alex Coppel

Newly-single Nadia Bartel also found herself in a fashion drama thanks to her racy Dion Lee dress.

Bartel, who was co-hosting Studio 10 for Channel 10, had to be filmed sitting behind the desk after her revealing panels were spotted by the VRC fashion minders.

Nick and Rozalia Russian on Derby Day at Flemington. Picture: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty
Nick and Rozalia Russian on Derby Day at Flemington. Picture: Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty
Paddy McCartin and Lucy Brownless. Picture: Nicki Connolly
Paddy McCartin and Lucy Brownless. Picture: Nicki Connolly

The fashion faux pas caught Bartel by surprise.

“It has a bit of an exaggerated sleeve on it and is not traditional racewear,” she said of her dress.

“I did not even think about it being controversial. I just thought it was a white dress.”

Adding to the drama, Bartel came face-to-face with model Lucy Brownless, who was wearing the same frock.

The women embraced and complemented each other on their good taste.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/celebrities-skirt-around-strict-race-day-fashion-rules-at-flemington/news-story/612cd1df801966071ce7443797e5cf06