Done and de-hatted, the Melbourne Cup's a wrap

UNDER a kaleidoscope of prints, peplums and pants, that’s it for another Melbourne Cup. Here's how it went down.

UNDER a kaleidoscope of prints, peplums and pants, thatÂ’s it for another Melbourne Cup.

In comparison to the chic, black and white dress code of Derby Day, it was an anything goes kind of Cup Day. And some of the trackside frocks we’ll be happy never to see again.

The fashion world has dictated that yes, it’s all about colour, colour, colour, but by days end I didn’t want to see one more burst of purple, orange, green or pink. I wanted calm. I mean, even beige would have been better . .

Virgin Cup-goer and The Voice host, Darren McMullen looked fantastic in a Ted Baker suit and very cute bowler hat and cane while Delta Goodrem, who was holding court in the Swisse marquee, wore a ballerina length Dior dress and ballet flats.

Recovering from the burns she sustained on her legs after an accident at her home, Delta was in extra-ordinarily good form and told me the show always goes on, performing in Melbourne tonight.

Actress Rose Byrne, the star attraction in the lavish Lexus marquee, looked fresh and chic in a striped Alex Perry dress, and proved a welcome diversion from all the trackside brights.

Fellow thespian and fashion-minded Mischa Barton, perched in the Irish-themed Emirates marquee opted for an Ellery dress and Philip Treacy hat while her pal and Revenge star, Ashley Madekwe went for a fellow Aussie fashion name, Camilla and Marc.

C & M was also the winning fashion choice for Winners and Losers star, Melanie Vaelljo (in grey leather) and Van Hoorn singer, Cheyenne Tozzi, who performed in the continuously pumping Mumm champagne marquee.

Sophie Monk, bound for the Emirates tent, wore a tight cream Carl Kapp dress while Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins went for Toni Maticevski and a very simple headpiece.

I caught up briefly with the always magnificent Matt Preston, who was with his jet-lagged Masterchef: Professionals co-host, Marco Pierre White, both doing the marquee hop.

The Crown marquee and its leather banquette seats proved a perfect solace for VIP guests of James and Erica Packer who included Richard and Jane Freudenstein, Shane Warne, Rhys Muldoon, Mark Arbib, Helen McCabe, academic and Sky News name Peter van Onselen, Sam Armytage (one of the day’s best dressed, btw), Sharon Finnegan, Danielle Spencer and AFL boss Andrew Demetriou and his wife, Symone.

Another buzzy marquee included Lavazza (must have been something about the caffeine) with Housewives star Taylor Armstrong and
Jude Bolton and gorgeous event planner wife, Lynette, looking picture perfect as the rain came don for half an hour while Yellowglen, too, was a goodie, the marquee continually pouring a heap of its sparkling bubbles.

Gucci hosted a very smart, invite-only private suite, overlooking the finish line in the Hill Stand and away from the madness of corporate marquees. Chic guests included Gucci boss Helen Koo, Dr Chris Brown, Pia Miranda and Michael and Lindy Klim.

Last night, Neil Perry’s new Crown restaurant, Rosetta, was pumping as most guests spotted, including superb chef Guillaume Brahimi, Robby and Sarah Ingham and union leader Paul Howes got over the fact that Green Moon had taken home the big one.

Speaking of which, Maria Venuti was perched at the Crown "Waiting Room" lobby bar with her daughter Bianca, the perfect people watching spot as a slew of hatted women and suited men streamed in as the night wore on.

So until the next racing carnival, the only hat that will be perched on my head is a bashed-up beach hat.

MELISSA HOYER’S TEN BEST-DRESSED CELEBRITIES . .

ROSE BYRNE
DELTA GOODREM
MELANIE VALLEJO
ASHLEY MADEWKE
JENNIFER HAWKINS
REBECCA JUDD
SHANE WARNE
SAM ARMYTAGE
FIFI BOX
MISCHA BARTON