Melbourne Cup Carnival 2022: All the fashion looks from Derby Day
Former Miss World Australia Erin Holland turned heads at Derby Day in a figure-hugging outfit with a daring split.
Some of Australia’s biggest stars have turned it up in the style stakes while attending Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday.
The first event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival is best known by punters for its strict black and white dress code with attendees going all out after a two years hiatus inflicted by the pandemic.
As well as a colour code, racegoers must also adhere to a string of trackside traditions, including a long list of “style no-no’s”.
Among garments that aren’t welcome at Flemington Racecourse include denim of any kind, outfits that feature cut-outs and clothes with tears or rips.
Tights and leggings are also banned, with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) stating pants should be “tailored”. Thongs, sneakers and casual shoes are also not acceptable.
The restrictions didn’t stop model Erin Holland wowing the crowds with a white top and a black dress with a dangerously high split.
The 33-year-old exposed a little more than she bargained for — and suffered a wardrobe malfunction as she walked across the grounds of the Flemington Racecourse with a friend.
The model wasn’t the only famous face to slip into their best outfit this year, with the star-studded line-up including actress Elsa Pataky, Today Show host Allison Langdon and model Christian Wilkins.
VRC ambassador Olivia Molly Rogers was among the first to arrive at Flemington wearing a white dress with statement sleeves and black accessories to the glamorous event.
The Melbourne model, who recently split from her husband after just eight months of marriage, opted to wear a striking wedding gown from well-known bridal designer Cappellazzo Couture.
The former Miss Universe Australia put her personal struggles aside to attend her professional engagement, posing for a series of snaps in the famous racecourse gardens.
Olivia, 30, paired her bold dress with black platform heels, a chunky choker necklace and a large hat from Lauder Taylor Millinery.
She finished the look with a beaded pearl bag, revealing on Instagram she was “representing Australian Childhood Foundation” for the day.
Fans were quick to comment, telling Olivia she looked “gorgeous” and describing her ensemble as “stunning”.
The appearance comes as her marital home hit the market on Saturday, with Olivia telling her 194,000 followers inspections were starting while she was at work.
VRC’s newest ambassador Christian Wilkins rose to the dress code challenge, opting for a showstopping outfit that embraced the new era of the Fashions on the Field competition, which has ditched its previously gendered categories in favour of Best Dressed and Best Suited Awards.
Wearing a pair of black pants with a white bustier and long black gloves, the 27-year-old model son of Channel 9’s entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, nailed the brief.
Christian, who told news.com.au he planned to “break” the cup carnival’s gender-bound rules ahead of his appearance, finished his showstopping look with a statement headpiece worn over a slicked-back hairstyle.
Actress Elsa Pataky, who is married to Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, was this year’s guest of honour at the Lexus Landmark marquee located in the Birdcage enclosure.
The 46-year-old rocked a staple little black dress with a structured hat to the event, posing at the media wall for snaps.
She also went for a splash of colour on her lips, choosing a red lipstick which stood out against her all black ensemble.
Elsa, who lives in Byron Bay with her family throughout the year, tied her blonde hair back in a ponytail with loose strands framing her face.
The mum-of-three finished her stylish look with an array of gold jewellery, including bangles, rings and a pair of small earrings.
However she chose not to wear a necklace with the strapless corset gown.
Former Miss World Australia Erin Holland also turned heads at the star-studded event, wearing a custom black and white dress from Daniel Moore Couture.
The outfit featured a white top with ruffle detailing that cascaded over her shoulders, and a figure-hugging black pencil skirt with a dangerously high thigh split.
She finished the look with a white hat and bow-detailed pointed heels.
Myer ambassador and former reality star Tayla Damir also shunned traditions, opting for a slick black suit for her Derby Day look.
The newlywed, who married AFL player Nathan Broad earlier this month, went for a tailored two-piece a white shirt and black tie.
She finished her outfit with pointed heels and a cute mini shoulder bag.
Kate Waterhouse, the daughter of racing royalty Gai Waterhouse, also stunned in an all-black ensemble.
She wore a structured black dress with lace detailing, chunky black heels and a matching headband.
Model sisters Ashley and Jessica Hart also attended Derby Day wearing slick tailoring. The duo posed for pictures in their stunning outfits, both opting for fascinators.
Shoe designer and celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson stunned in an all-black outfit, with the Melbourne socialite taking to Instagram at 7am to show the behind-the-scenes prep ahead of the big day.
Today Show host Allison Langdon rocked an elegant white blazer dress with trendy brogue shoes in the days dress colours of white and black.
The Channel 9 presenter accessorised with simple black details including a mini clutch and a netted fascinator.
In recent years, racewear rules have relaxed for those in general admission areas, however VRC stresses guests in the members enclosures – which include the prestigious Birdcage – are “expected to maintain a suitable standard in keeping with the dignity”.
“Key items of clothing that are not acceptable include; short jumpsuits or playsuits, garments that show the midriff and shorts,” VRC states on its website.
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Over the years there have been many rule breakers, including Lara Worthington (then Bingle) at Derby Day in 2013, who arrived at the Birdcage in a black skirt and crop that flashed her abs.
The long-sleeve top also had a plunging neckline that emphasised her bust with a metal detailing as well as two cut-outs on the side.
Celebrity guests are expected to start arriving for Derby Day later today.
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