IT was a cold Spring day in Melbourne, but didn’t stop thousands from turning up at Derby Day. Scroll down for all the pictures from a day of fashion and fun at Flemington.
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Crowds packed the fabulous Flemington Racecourse for day one of the four-day festival of racing, fashion and fun.
The big weekend is projected to bring in a boost of more than $427 million for the state economy.
Award-winning actor Melissa George, Rebecca Judd, Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough were among the stars out in full force for Derby Day.
Olympic champion Usain Bolt was spotted enjoying himself, making a last-minute dash to Derby Day after missing his flight to Melbourne on Friday.
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CELEBS IN SAME DRESS FASHION FAUX PAS
Myer face Jennifer Hawkins and Channel 7 presenter and trainer Francesca Cumani turned heads in the same designer black and white lace Jonathan Simkhai dress.
While the fashion faux pas set tongues wagging in the exclusive birdcage, Hawkins gracefully took it in her stride.
“No biggie, it’s never happened to me before. Francesca looked so gorgeous,“ she says.
Ironically, Hawkins had earlier in the day commented the dress had only just made it to Melbourne from the US in time for her to wear, before Cumani was also spotted sporting it.
Dire weather predictions didn’t dim the glamour trackside for Derby Day.
If anything, the cooler conditions resulted in a more sophisticated and chic selection of looks on the celebrity set.
Kennedy special guest Melissa George was a stand out in the style stakes in a $20,000 polka dot pleated couture gown from French fashion house Schiaparelli, teamed with a Gregory Ladner wide brimmed hat worn over the shoulder.
There were plenty of pants and jumpsuits on show, most notable on Rachael Finch in a Misha Collection jacket and cropped pants and Jasmine Yarbrough in sleek Veronica Beard coupled with Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket.
Olympia Valance also sported cool cream wide leg pants and a sheer embellished bomber jacket from Jason Grech.
Montana Cox was perfectly pretty in a white Aje dress and Mimco headpiece and earrings, while supermodel Robyn Lawley turned heads in a sleek and sexy Misha Collection dress, Gregory Ladner wide brimmed hat and embellished choker from Millinery Jill.
Block black and white head to toe looks were popular, but both Jodi Anasta and Rebecca Judd bucked the trend blending the two shades to striking effect.
After announcing she was pregnant on Friday night, Footy Show host Rebecca Maddern was glowing trackside in a cream Lavish Alice dress and coat.
Fellow expectant mum Jessie Murphy was also a style standout in custom Sonia Cappellazzo black bell sleeved dress and Stephanie Spencer headpiece.
Wide brim and boater hats were big trackside, as were turbans and embellished crowns.
The Block winner Elyse Knowles braved the cool winds in a stunning Paolo Sebastian white dress, while Brit Davis was also determined to dress to impress in One Day Bridal mini dress and Murley & Co headpiece.
Mumm special guest Shanina Shaik had a late wardrobe change to accommodate the weather, choosing knee high boots and the addition of an Ellery jacket to ward off the cold.
FASHIONS ON THE FIELD
THE fiercest competition of the day has happened far from the racetrack, with hundreds of stylish hopefuls flocking to entertainment precinct, The Park, where fashion, food and frivolity created a winning trifecta.
Women have overwhelmingly followed the traditional dress code of the day, embracing the simple black and white combination to striking effect.
Ladylike elegance reigned supreme in Myer Fashions on the Field with modest, mid-calf hem-lengths, ‘50s-inspired full skirts and sophisticated skirt and blouse ensembles all popular with the racing purists, while others braced for the cool, breezy conditions in tailored pants, blazers and jumpsuits.
Block colours dominated over patterns and prints, with just a smattering of stripes, polka dots and monochrome florals. Women instead made a stylish statement with exaggerated bell sleeves, dramatic lace, ruffles, tassels and one-shoulder silhouettes.
In the millinery department, hats were back with Dior-inspired headpieces, boater styles and structured turbans creating a Parisian feel.
Fashion watchers were treated to an enhanced view of the world-class fashion competition with the luxurious two-storey space featuring new dual runways, allowing spectators and judges a 360-degree view of competitors.
Monelle Mondello, 26, from Northcote was crowned the winner, wearing a tiered stripe skirt, black top and wide brimmed hat.
“I haven’t been to the races since I was 15 and have never entered before so I didn’t know what to expect,” Ms Mondello said.
“It was a very last minute look and I bought it all online, so I was panicking if it would all arrive in time,” she said of her winning look.
Ms Mondello will now return on Crown Oaks Day as one of three contenders vying for the chance to compete in the coveted national final.
On the front lawn, punters avoided goosebumps in coats and cover-ups, while still adhering to the classic colour combination and only a few breaking tradition in bright frocks and fascinators.
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