It’s no secret that Melbourne Cup Day is no longer just about which horse wins the big race. With each year that passes, the fashion on the field edges its way further onto centre stage with the media not far behind. A large focus is put on the outfits and fascinators that adorn the heads of celebrities and lay people alike.
One of the biggest highlights for the fashion-loving ladies at the races is the Myer Fashions on the Field competition where race day attendees strut their stuff on stage and watchers are able to vote on the best outfit for the day.
However this interest in fashion at the races hasn’t been a recent discovery. According to the Melbourne Cup official website, the history of fashion at the races goes back to the 1960s at the Flemington races.
The VRC’s Fashions on the Field was instigated in 1962, following initiatives implemented by a VRC sub-committee set up in 1960 to promote the Centenary Cup. The contest formed part of the ‘Fashions, Flowers and Favourites’ celebration and was an attempt to ‘woo more women to the races’.
It was not until the 1970s that brands such as Schweppes, Fletcher Jones and Myer stepped in to sponsor the event and give the carnival a makeover.
Now prizes are given to the best dressed ladies and gents and special invitation-only competitions are held for Design and Millinery.
But let’s talk about t the shoes that graced the racecourse for a moment.
It seemed to be a year of nude coloured heels with personalities and celebrities such as Sonia Kruger, Rachael Finch, singer Ricki-Lee Coulter and model Ashley Hart opting for neutral tones in tans, beiges and creams.
Brights also made their mark on the toes of Brynne Edelsten, Rebecca Judd, Kate Twigley and Sass&Bide designers Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton.
And as for the girl who won Fashion on the Field? It was won buy 24-year-old Sarah Schofield from Geelong.
Watch the slideshow below for images from the day, take note of the shoes!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Mel.
