Melbourne Cup 2020: Nadia Bartel’s plunging mini dress kicks off fashion festivities
Melbourne Cup ambassador and former WAG Nadia Bartel kicked off the race day festivities in a skin-tight dress with a daring neckline.
Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Melbourne Cup is still going ahead this year – but things will look a little different, especially in the fashion department.
The famous race will run on November 3 without a crowd, but that doesn’t mean Australia’s fashion event of the year has been struck off the calendar.
Former WAG Nadia Bartel posed outside the famous Flemington Racecourse in her racing finest to kick off the start of the week-long event.
Dressed in a skin-tight purple mini dress with plunging neckline, Nadia proved COVID-19 isn’t going to dampen the spirit of the races.
The 35-year-old finished her look with a compulsory face mask.
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In Sydney – where socially distanced gatherings are permitted providing they uphold COVID-Safe procedures – famous faces gathered at Vaucluse House to launch the Cup, including shoe designer Jasmine Stefanovic who wore a bright pink power suit with a giant white bow headpiece.
Other guests included singer Delta Goodrem who wore a blue gingham cropped jacket with an orange skirt, while The Project host Lisa Wilkinson looked effortlessly glam in a red long-sleeved dress and black fascinator.
Melbourne Cup ambassador and model Tegan Martin oozed glamour in a black bodycon jumpsuit while shoe designer Terry Biviano rocked an all pink outfit with matching fluffy heels.
RED CARPET LOOKS AT HOME
On the day itself there will be no red carpet looks from celebrities entering the prestigious marquees such as the iconic Birdcage and the illustrious Mumm and no best dressed awards to racegoers.
Instead, Victoria Racing Club are calling on punters to get glammed up at home, urging those watching in their finest to share their snaps using the hashtags #CupWeekFashion and #LoungeInStyle.
The annual Myer Fashions on the Field has been given a 2020 makeover, becoming “Fashions on your front lawn” – a race-day outfit competition hosted online.
The hunt for this year’s best-dressed is already well under way, with the finalists from each state recently being announced on social media.
FASHIONS ON YOUR FRONT LAWN FINALISTS
Entries for Myer’s official fashion competition have closed with a panel of high-profile professionals already selecting the finalists who have been announced on social media.
The competition works very differently this year with competitors all uploading up to four individual racewear outfits throughout, dependent on how far they progress in the competition.
Winners are competing for the coveted National Title – which will be announced live on Channel 10 during Kennedy Oaks Day on November 5 – as well as a heap of exciting prizes, including Myer gift cards and even a brand new Lexus car.
Queensland’s finalists have been named as Kerrie Caucci and Reece Woodland. Female finalist Kerrie scored her spot with a custom baby blue dress featuring puffed sleeves, a pearl belt and a matching white hat, while male Queensland finalist Reece wowed in a royal navy suit and a straw hat.
Northern Territory finalists are Christine Spielmann and Sherlon Garbo. Christine rocked an all purple ensemble she made herself in her quest to win the top spot while Sherlon went for a traditional equestrian-inspired look with a splash of COVID-chic – a face shield.
In ACT, husband and wife duo Viviana and Bradley Croker are the 2020 finalists, while in South Australia, Brianna Scanlon and Pete Lupton have progressed to the last round.
WA’s finalists are Annabel Davy and Mark Windram while Tassie’s finalist is Jessica Tyson.
CELEBRITY MELBOURNE CUP AMBASSADORS
There may not be an event to go to, but you can’t come between a celeb and an opportunity to dress up – especially after the year we’ve all had. Melbourne Cup hasn’t even happened yet and already there have been a few enviable outfits pulled together in a bid to inspire us normal folk.
Model Tegan Martin dressed up in a lime green number with a white headband in a promo video encouraging punters to experience the “magic at home”.
Celebrity chef Melissa Leong is among the high-flying judging panel for Fashions on your front lawn – and she rocked a jaw-dropping black and white design with a black turban headpiece for the announcement.
Model Olivia Molly Rogers is also an ambassador along with singer Rob Mills – who both dressed up in their best clobber to get us in the spirit, despite not being trackside.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED AT HOME
This year there’s new fun fashion competitions for everyone at home, in four categories: fashionable families, garden party attire, elaborate costumes and outrageous headwear. The competition kicks off on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Saturday, October 31 until Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday, November 5. You can find all the details on how to enter here.
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