The Melbourne Cup Carnival always tends to cause a little controversy when it comes to Fashion etiquette and what we should or shouldn’t be wearing.
Traditional looks include well-cut dresses that fall to or just below the knee, nothing too fitted, and the bust area should be covered. Classic and Classy are always considered traditional. Mini dresses and skirts, midriff exposure and sequins should be kept for the evening.
When it comes to headwear traditionally it’s a must as really, it’s considered to be the only time of year we can pop on a fascinator, fedora, or over-the-top headpiece.
Gentlemen traditionally wear a tailored suit and tie combination, and the extra touch of accessories is always welcomed. From cufflinks to tie clips, hats and of course a flower to the buttonhole.
This Spring carnival many of the traditional looks went out the door with many pushing the boundaries and blurring the lines between modern and traditional race-wear looks.
Shoulders once covered were exposed, decolletages and breasts on show in tight unstructured dresses. Some even dazzled in glitter.
The race day look has been modernised and it’s here to stay. As fashion evolves so will our racewear and what we bring to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Pantsuits have been bejewelled, giving a contemporary and on-trend modern twist to that of a more traditional conservative look. One shoulder or strapless are now considered fresh. Headbands are replacing traditional fascinators and fabrications have also changed to give a modern feel.
In a year of milestones, the Myer Fashions on the Field fashion event celebrated its 60th anniversary and showcased inclusion and individuality with new Best Dressed and Best Suited categories, showcasing both modern and classic styles. After all, fashion is a form of expression, and we should celebrate this time of year and use this incredible racing season as an opportunity to show who we are by how we dress.
“We really wanted to make sure that fashion, as an expression of our population, is accessible to everybody and we believe that fashion all about the joy of expressing your own identity. We are thrilled with the response and increased engagement this year and the way Myer Fashions on the Field continues to lead the way through creativity and inclusion,” Mr Wilson said.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is also to be applauded for raising more than $1 million to help the community this year. The Carnival’s Pin & Win campaign has raised around $500,000 for new charity partner, Australian Childhood Foundation and the Melbourne Cup Carnival and racing partners have already pledged $500,000 to support not-for-profit GIVIT to help the many flood-impacted people and communities around Australia.
“We set out to make a big difference for these communities and we are incredibly thankful to everyone that has come together to support them,” Mr Wilson said.
The final donation to help the flood-affected communities will be announced next week and people can still donate at the GIVIT website.
Attended and written by Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Toby Sullivan and also supplied by the VRC.
