All the fashion colour from the Melbourne Cup
We’re used to seeing loads of bare flesh at the Spring Carnival, but this year the trend took an unexpected turn.
THE RACE isn’t the only event that stops the nation on Melbourne Cup day. From florals to fascinators, the fashion stakes have soared this year.
We’re used to seeing loads of bare flesh at the Spring Carnival, but this year the ladies are rocking midi-hemlines, high necklines and long sleeves. It’s an unexpected return to ladylike glamour that was very much missed at last year’s Cup. Remember this Gabi Grecko disaster?
Keeping true to the Cup’s tradition, celebs are decked out in loads of colour. Traditional fascinators have been ditched for intricate headbands and brimmed hats.
Australian designer Alex Perry says strapless dresses and crop top and skirt combos are a big no-no at the races.
“There are exceptions to it, when you do it properly... But I think that the rules of racing are that you have to give them [the organisers] a nod and it does say ‘no strapless’. So it can be inappropriate if you look like you’re going to a nightclub,” the Australia’s Next Top Model judge told news.com.au from outside the Myer marquee.
Perry admitted he has seen examples of where strapless has worked - including Terry Biviano’s sleek black number at Derby Day on Saturday - but for the most part, “hoisting up is terrible, and if it doesn’t fit you properly, that’s when girls have to do the hoisting.”
Similarly, the midriff is a trend that should remain far, far away from races, according to Perry. “Not here, tuck it away sweetheart. Wear it anywhere else, but not here,” he said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate. Get your abs out somewhere else.”
Rachael Finch was one of the first to arrive trackside, entering the Myer marquee in a striped By Johnny dress and daisy headwear by Natalie Bikicki.
It was all about the couples at the Cup, with The Bachelorette’s Sam Frost and Sasha Mielczarek stepping out in the Myer Marquee.
The Bachelor’s Sam Wood and his girlfriend Snezana Markoski arrived hand in hand at Flemington. Snezana looked red-hot in a Kookai two-piece outfit. While Sam Wood dazzled in a navy suit.
Jockey Michelle Payne, who rode the winning horse Prince of Penzance, slipped into a navy blue frock this morning before donning her riding gear just before 3pm.
Fashion Police host Melissa Rivers, daughter of the late Joan Rivers, paired a floral thigh high dress with a black coat and fascinator. She stepped inside the G.H Mumm Marquee with fellow co-host Brad Goreski.
Jen Hawkins played with colour in a neon Toni Maticevski dress and a Natalie Bikicki black headband.
Ashley Hart clashed her colours and patterns inside the Swisse marquee, wearing Stella Jean. The Australian model paired her look with a brimmed hat and pompom earrings.
French DJ David Guetta popped the champagne early inside the G.H. Mumm Marquee.
Lady Kitty Spencer, niece of the late Princess Diana, stepped out in an all white Alex Perry frock and headpiece by Stephen Jones Millinery.
TV presenter Nikki Phillips wore a pink knee length lace frock paired with a gold and rose flower crown.
Julie Bishop kept it simple with a black knee length frock and wide brimmed hat as she entered the Emirates marquee with partner David Panton.
Megan Gale was a vision in green, wearing a Dolce and Gabbana lace mini dress.
Style queen and Channel 9 host Rebecca Judd covered up in an orange Alex Perry frock and Hatmaker headpiece.
Nadia Bartel, wife of Geelong AFL star Jimmy Bartel, stepped out in a lilac fitted Dion Lee dress and Danica Erard headpiece.
Kate Peck arrived in a purple Aurelio Costarella frock and a Viktorianoval headpiece.
Sunrise weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew was a vision in a blue Aurelio Costarella frock and headpiece by Murley & Co Millinery.
David Jones ambassador and radio host Emma Freedman looked racy in a red Farage suit with Hatmaker headpiece by Jonathan Howard.
Better Homes and Gardens host Johanna Griggs kept her look sophisticated in a navy blue ensemble and a burst of yellow in her Kim Fletcher Millinery hat.
Sunrise host Samatha Armytage went for a red Karen Gee frock and a boater-style hat for her trackside look at the Cup.
While Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr opted for a floral frock by Zimmermann and headpiece by Adelaide designer Sylvy Earl.
Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Georgia Connolly went for the brightest pink possible, pairing her Alex Perry mini dress with a Natalie Bikicki boat-style hat.
Kate Waterhouse went for a Derby Day look, wearing a black and white Altuzarra frock and Sarah & Sebastian turban.
Bec and Lleyton Hewitt arrived hand-in-hand at Flemington. Bec played with patterns in a long-sleeved Manning Cartell dress and black brimmed hat.
Francesca Barham Packer, James Packer’s niece, kept things classic in a white lace gown, a wide-brimmed hat and cat-eye sunglasses.
While Myer ambassador and television host Lauren Phillips kept it simple with a pale pink dress and matching clutch.
SEE MORE FASHION AT 2015 MELBOURNE CUP
- with Charlotte Willis
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