Flemington springs to life ahead of Derby Day

FASHION, food and fabulous interiors were all on show yesterday as Flemington sprang to life ahead of Derby Day.

111031 fashion derby

FASHION, food and fabulous interiors were all on show yesterday as Flemington sprang to life ahead of Derby Day.

Famous faces, including Myer racing ambassadors Rebecca Judd and Kris Smith, Fashions on the Field hosts Fifi Box and Jeff Banks, world-renowned milliner Philip Treacy and Swisse ambassadors Ashley Hart and Jessica McNamee were trackside to herald the beginning of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Six of the Myer Fashions on the Field state finalists gathered to help officially launch this year's competition at a purpose-built enclosure.

The Victorian winner will be selected on Oaks Day ahead of the National final.

Hart, who will be sporting sexy leather and lace from Arthur Galan tomorrow, says she's excited to be back at the track, despite blustery conditions yesterday.

"I'm hoping this is the last of the bad weather we'll see at Flemington for the carnival," Hart said.

Celebrity chef George Calombaris was on hand to talk through the menu he designed especially for the Swisse marquee.

"It's been eight months in the planning," Calombaris said.

"It's not just about it being healthy, every ingredient is sourced locally and is native to Australia.''

Guests at the exclusive Myer marquee will sip French champagne from Waterford crystal amid thousands of stunning fresh flowers.

"I think it's absolutely beautiful, the best yet," Birdcage veteran Rebecca Judd declared.

The finishing touches were being put to many of the exclusive marquees yesterday, including the Irish-themed Emirates, which will be home to international star Mischa Barton on Cup Day.

Guests in the Lavazza marquee would be well advised to wear sunglasses in the vibrant neon party space.

Guests in the red and white-themed G.H. Mumm marquee will experience the French tradition of sabrage, where the cork is removed in one clean strike of a sabre.

James Boag's guests will not only enjoy spectacular views from the biggest Birdcage marquee, they'll also get to feast on delicious dishes from top chefs, including Paul Wilson of Circa and Michael Lambie from The Smith.