Melbourne Cup fashion: Famous faces descend on Flemington

All the big names from the world of racing and beyond have descended on the Melbourne Cup. See the best-dressed in our gallery.

Delta Goodrem on Melbourne Cup day. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Singer Delta Goodrem, who will perform ahead of the big race, is the star attraction of Melbourne Cup day.

In an unusual peplum jumpsuit in chartreuse with oversized pink bow and matching hat, the VRC ambassador has brought some much-needed celebrity clout on this most understated of Cup Days.

Goodrem said the Melbourne Cup was “part of the Australian fabric”.

“We grew up with it. When you think about being at school … and three o’clock when the whole classroom stops – it really brings people together,” Goodrem said.

“I think it’s really important we all come together and celebrate this,” she said.

“It’s incredibly symbolic. When it comes to the second half of the year, my tour was cancelled and moved to next year. So we are here and ready to celebrate bringing live music back to people.”

And after 18 months of lockdown, it was great to dress up again.

“I have been at home so much and I was really looking forward to (wearing) bright colours and having fun,” she said.

“Really just enjoying this spectacular day.”

Melbourne Cup 2021 fashion gallery

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Masterchef judge and fashion plate Melissa Leong upped the glamour quotient, arriving trackside in a strapless black dress accompanied by a shocking pink puffed opera coat.

The colour combination, synonymous with 1980s Yves Saint Laurent, was created by Cappellazzo Couture.

Her dramatic makeup was further embellished with colourful sequins to her eyelids in a magical touch that will undoubtedly be picked up on by her fans for the upcoming festive season.

Melissa Leong – Lexus Melbourne Cup Day 2021 at Flemington 2 November 2021 ©MEDIA-MODE.COM

Outside the Channel 10 private dining marquee, Leong said the Melbourne Cup was the first opportunity she had to get together with her co-hosts of Masterchef Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo.

“I think that right now any excuse to get together and socialise is wonderful,” Leong said.

“To make the effort to dress up and be here with each other. It’s the first time Jock and Andy and I have been able to hang out and properly socialise in a while because of lockdown,” she said.

“The past 18 months have definitely been challenging.

“In comparison to other places in the world while we have had this lockdown... in my own personal experience I feel very grateful for in my life being able to have a job.”

Pastel hues seem to be the overarching trend of the day, an approach usually reserved for Oaks Day on Thursday. Melbourne Cup is usually known for its vibrant colour palette after the black-and-white of Derby Day. But this year many have chosen to go for a subtle positivity, with lemon, lavender and blush all trending.

Headwear seems largely split between broader-brimmed sunhats and the popular headband “crowns” of recent years, often embellished with jewelled details or metallic decorations.