Andrej Pejic's headwear tribute falls flat

The VRC has confirmed that it requested Swisse guest Andrej Pejic not wear his Princess Beatrice-inspired head piece to Oaks Day.

Andrej Pejic

The VRC has confirmed that it requested Swisse guest Andrej Pejic not wear his Princess Beatrice-inspired head piece to Oaks Day for fear of offending guest hat designer Philip Treacy.

Chadwick Models director Matthew Anderson said on the eve of Oaks Day he was informed that the VRC was concerned about the international modelling sensation's selection of headwear.

Androgynous model Pejic had been tipped to hit the track in an outfit that would "pay tribute" to the much-maligned headwear Princess Beatrice wore to last year's royal wedding.

Treacy was responsible for the controversial hat, referred to by some as "the pretzel".

"We wanted him to wear the hat, it was a tribute to a milliner that Andrej has great respect for," Mr Anderson said.

VRC CEO Dale Monteith said when the VRC was made aware that Pejic was considering attending in a tribute outfit, they asked that he find an alternative.

It was thought that this may have offended special guests at Flemington this week.

Treacy, who is the VRC International Style Ambassador for this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival, said he was flattered Pejic had wanted to pay tribute.

"I'm one of his biggest fans," Treacy said.