All the colour and style at the Melbourne Cup
Bold colours and big smiles lit up Flemington as punters and celebrities flocked to the track for a stunning 2023 Melbourne Cup.
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Racegoers flocked to Flemington on a stunning spring day to watch the 2023 Melbourne Cup.
Punters filled the grounds while celebrities packed the Birdcage as the crowds revelled in sunshine.
Here is a wrap of all the colour and style from the Melbourne Cup
Delta steals show in yellow
If anyone knows how to steal the show it’s our national treasure Delta Goodrem, who stopped traffic in a plunging yellow Mariam Seddiq showstopper, matched with Ezara hat from the same material, and accessorised with gems from local jeweller Anton before her Melbourne Cup performance.
A keen punter, Goodrem said she and rocker Jon Stevens had exchanged tips during sound check rehearsals.
“The sun is out, I’m definitely connected to the sun wearing yellow. I’m honoured to be able to sing here today.
“There are a couple of horses I have my eye on,” Goodrem said before reeling off the form guide of Melbourne Cup runners including Military Mission, Gold Trip and Soulcombe.
Stevens later arrived with his partner, the impeccably dressed Heloise Pratt, who said she was looking forward to watching him perform.
“I love coming to the Melbourne Cup, it’s a wonderful day,” she said.
Kokkinakis, Dal Sasso go their own way
They’re one of Melbourne’s hottest young couples but tennis ace Thanasi Kokkinakis and influencer Hannah Dal Sasso looked to be spending the day apart.
They arrived to the Schweppes marquee separately and with different friends, but we’re assured the romance is blossoming.
“It’s going good but this should be fun,” Kokkinakis said.
“I’m excited to be here. Last year I did Derby Day, so it’s great to be at the Melbourne Cup and the weather has turned it on for us.
“I got paid out for wearing the same black suit and just changing up my pocket square so I went for this emerald slash olive colour and it’s come up alright. I never really wear suits and I prefer a bow tie.”
Dal Sasso, who has amassed a huge TikTok and Instagram following, was a standout in Oglia-Loro Couture, styled by Paul Versace.
Kokkinakis said he was enjoying spending time at home.
“I’ve got my highest ranking which is awesome and going back overseas for Davis Cup in a week or two and getting ready for the big Aussie summer,” he said.
“Any time I can get time at home, I take it and enjoy it with family.”
Portelli just here for the party
Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli rocked up in a Toyota Camry Uber to his only day at the races.
Portelli, who bought three Hampton East houses for $12.4m on The Block, said he wasn’t a gambler but liked to enjoy a party and an event.
“I had a drink with some of The Block contestants last night so I’m feeling a bit dusty today,” he said.
“It all went really well and I think the general public is happy with how it went, very deserving winners and it’s good that their efforts paid off.”
Portelli, sporting a trendy bone colour suit, said he’s formed a connection with winners Steph and Gian who were also in the Birdcage.
He is expecting his first child in January and has enlisted Steph to design the nursery for him and his partner.
He’s not a betting man — “I don’t like to gamble” — but he wanted a VIP experience.
He said he was eyeing off some of the contents of the houses before giving them away through his business LMCT+.
“There’s a Birkin bag in there, I’ve already taken it,” he said.
“The houses are at a price point where the average Aussie can’t afford it so it gives someone a chance to be able to afford it.
It’s all in fun, fun and games. I enjoy the exposure.”
Portelli said he liked being known as a billionaire rather than ‘Mr Lambo’, a nickname he earned after arriving to The Block last year in a yellow Lamborghini.
“Instead of Mr Lambo, I’ll take that any day,” he said.
‘Men need the legs to pull it off’
An Irish fashion influencer has dared to bare and shown up in shorts at the Melbourne Cup.
His fashion flex came as the Victorian Racing Club relaxed dress code rules to allow men to wear knee-length shorts in the Birdcage.
The VRC rules say the shorts are to be tailored and to the knee. Not acceptable are shorts of any kind that are above the knee; tailored shorts on or below the knee are allowed.
“Normally, I would never wear shorts,” Dublin-based menswear influencer Damian Broderick said in the Birdcage. “It’s been 160 years of the Melbourne Cup, and this is the first time they’ve ever let shorts in, and somebody has to do it, right?
“Menswear and classic menswear is my thing, and I wanted to show men how you can wear shorts in a really elevated way, and combine the elegance of racing with the comfort of shorts.”
Mr Broderick said he understood the controversy surrounding shorts at the Flemington VIP precinct.
“On one hand I get it,” he said. “You have Royal Ascot, which is very traditional, and you have the Kentucky Derby, which is very out there and flamboyant. I think Melbourne is doing a marriage of those things. You have the traditions here, but also have the playfulness.”
Melbourne suit maker Dom Bagnato supported shorts being allowed in the Birdcage, but warned: “Men need the legs to pull it off.”
Mr Broderick laughed: “I covered mine in tattoos because I don’t have the legs. I think the footy stars will look better than me in shorts. But it’s a confidence thing. If you can carry yourself well, it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing.”
Racing expert and former footy star Campbell Brown stepped out in designer Scotch & Soda shorts with a blue shirt and suit jacket.
“I saw the weather forecast for 30 degrees and they’re long days,” Brown said.
“Seeing everyone sweating in their suits and ties and I’m laughing.”
Brown is working on Cup Day on SEN Track.
“It’s right up my alley, I know that Gai Waterhouse is extremely against it but it suits me and we’ll see plenty of others in shorts over the next few days.”
It seems Brown may have contravened some of the VRC rules though, entering without a tie on. The rules state that a collared dress shirt with tie or bow tie is to be worn.
Ladies in red wow in bold outfits
It was a true ladies in red moment when the nieces of the late Princess Diana, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza hit Flemington Racecourse wearing local label Cappellazzo couture.
Holding hands as the media scrum flashed their bulbs and jostled for pictures inside the Birdcage enclosure, the daughters of Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer and former wife, model Victoria Lockwood, made a statement in bespoke vibrant red looks from the Melbourne red carpet queen.
“Being here at the Melbourne Cup is such an honour and a highlight of our careers,” Lady Eliza said, wearing a mid ankle length gown with a modern tulip twist and folded side split, with sculptured arm detail and Ezara metal veil headwear.
“It is such an honour,” added Lady Amelia, who opted for a heavily corseted bodice with a sweetheart neckline and dramatic voluminous back detail, richly folding into a short A-line dress, paired with a Stephanie Browne headpiece.
“We are loving the bright bold exciting colors. And everyone is able to really express themselves. It’s been a while since the pandemic and seeing the bright bold exciting outfits is so exciting.”
“It’s such an iconic event. And such a privilege.”
They are both following in the footsteps of their older model sister, Lady Kitty Spencer, who also visited Flemington Racecourse as a guest of the Victoria Racing Club in 2015 and 2019.
“Kitty has frequently shared her stories of her adventures in Australia and her deep affection for the Melbourne Cup. She would describe it as a one-of-a-kind experience, full of glamour, fashion, sophistication, elegance and the showcase of different designers’ creations on the field,” Lady Eliza said.
“She would always say that if we ever set foot in Australia, we might never want to leave,” Lady Amelia added.
“We have a genuine appreciation for a wide range of styles and enjoy dressing up for a variety of events. We love working with various designers on important looks for events and bringing ideas to the conversations, exploring shapes and fabrics.”
Considered the styling queen of the track, stylist Kirsty McBeth has created memorable racewear looks over the years, from the model Hart sisters last year, to Elle McPherson and Kim Cattrall.
“We have been in talks since July and it has been a really collaborative process and so great to see how much they want to support our Australian designers,” McBeth said.
And a royal tip?
“We are definitely rooting for Gold Trip, we had a photo shoot with him with the Herald Sun on Monday and he had great energy.
New York-based model Georgina Burke wore all Australian designers, Carla Zampatti, Nerida Winter and Scanlan Theodore.
“I just love the fashion here and it’s been a beautiful experience,” she said. “The hat is all vintage hand-dyed roses.”
Burke was here with her partner Alexander Kimmet who grew up in Wyoming.
“His mum was a racehorse trainer for many years,” she said.
“I’ve had a great time, falling in love with Melbourne so who knows, this is where I might end up.”
Matildas star Cortnee Vine was pretty in pink.
“I’m not used to wearing this attire but I’m excited, never been to the Melbourne Cup before. Looking forward post all this to having a bit more time and a break.”
The Sydney FC star said she hurt her hamstring and would need time to recover but was loving the nation wide support.
“I feel like there’s no feeling like it, it’s one of my dreams that I’ve been able to now pursue and it’s a dream going into the World Cup,” she said.
Fellow Matildas Chloe Logarzo and Elise Kellond-Knight did the G.H. Mumm sabrage.
“That’s definitely one way to cool down,” Chloe said.
“Might be a bit sticky but that’s definitely OK. It’s nice to have hair and make up done as it’s not often we get to do it.”
David Zaharakis said he was having a quiet day.
“I won’t have a big one, I’m doing the Melbourne half Ironman on Sunday in St Kilda,” he said alongside Amy Pejkovic.
“In Perth in three weeks to do the full one. I’m more endurance fit, definitely the leanest I’ve ever been.”
Brooke Warne gets into the spirit
Brooke Warne stepped out with partner Alex Heath for a day in the Schweppes marquee.
“Orange isn’t my usual colour because I’m naturally a redhead but I put this outfit on yesterday by Bianca & Bridgett and thought this is the one I’m going to wear to the Melbourne Cup,” she said.
“I love to sit on my couch and wear tracksuits but on days like today it’s fun to dress up and wear a nice outfit and do your make up and your hair and play around with it.”
Brooke said it would be special going to Perth to see Coldplay perform two shows next weekend.
Lead singer Chris Martin was close friends with her father, late cricket great Shane Warne.
“We’re all going over, me, (brother) Jackson, (sister) Summer and mum (Simone Callahan),” Brooke said.
“When we found out Chris was coming to Perth we were like ‘we’re there’ and he was like of course, whatever you need. He always says you’re VIPs, we’ll send a jet and we’ll pick you up.
“They’re one of the best bands, if not the best band in the world. We’re so excited.”
Shock at rocker sister
Actor and model Olympia Valance has spoken about the shock and delight of discovering her little sister’s talents as a rock star on the rise.
Valance’s sister, Athina – the daughter of Daddy Cool icon Ross Wilson and Tania Gogos-Wilson – fronts Gut Health, a punk-pop outfit scoring rave reviews, Triple J love, and major tour supports.
“I had no idea she was so punk rock!” Valance said in the Penfolds marquee at Flemington.
“She’s so quiet at home. To be honest, I didn’t know she had it in her.”
Valance added: “This is what blows my mind the most. She is so sweet and polite. She’s almost like Ross, who also reserved and quiet, but when he steps on stage it’s like an alter ego appears.
“She’s a great songwriter and I knew she had an incredible voice.
I just didn’t know Athina would explode on stage the way she did. They’re so exciting to watch.”
Celtic rockers glad to be back
Irish rock group The Corrs performed at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
The Celtic pop favourites played a sold-out show at Rod Laver Arena on Monday and are planning encore performances in the form of another Australian tour, in 2024.
“The tour has been incredible, it really has,” singer Andrea Corr said. “It’s actually been overwhelming at times.”
The Corrs hits include Breathless, Forgiven Not Forgotten, and Runaway.
“We made a lot of those hit records a long time ago, and it brings it all back,” drummer Caroline Corr said. “To perform them here and have such a warm welcome has been amazing.”
Guitarist Jim Corr added: “We love this country. We’ll hopefully be back soon.”
Fashions on the Field
Keen racegoers get an early start
Comedy trio named Moomba monarchs
Sooshi Mango will perform the royal duties at this year’s event and the deal was sealed with a kiss with Lord Mayor Nick Reece.
Cotchin makes surprising career pivot
Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin has joined Melbourne influencer Mia Fevola in a surprise career move as he steps back from his Channel 7 footy role.