Fashion Arrivals at Caulfield Guineas Day 2026
From romantic lace and sculptural silhouettes to striking citrus hues and contemporary tailoring, Melbourne’s fashion crowd delivered an impressive display of spring racing style at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday, October 10.
The 2026 Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas Day marked the opening of the Caulfield Cup Carnival, with fashion taking centre stage as some of Melbourne’s most stylish personalities arrived for a day of racing, glamour and trackside celebrations.
Leading the fashionable arrivals were sisters Lexi Lobb and Delainey Mary, who each brought a distinctly different approach to race-day dressing.
Lexi, a Friend of the Melbourne Racing Club, embraced feminine elegance in a custom powder-blue lace creation by Zian Couture. The fitted design featured intricate floral embroidery, sheer long sleeves and a structured bodice, balancing romantic detailing with a contemporary silhouette.
Styled by Meggy Smith, Lexi completed her ensemble with jewellery by Tiffany & Co., millinery by Kim Fletcher, a Chanel handbag and Nine West shoes. Her beauty look was finished by hairstylist Tayla Bourke and makeup artist Claire I Makeup.
Sister Delainey Mary chose a more directional aesthetic in a chocolate-brown ensemble from Matcho Suba Design Studio. Featuring dramatic oversized sleeves, a relaxed upper silhouette and a belted mini skirt, the look was both modern and effortlessly chic.
Delainey accessorised with dark sunglasses, a quilted Chanel handbag and a statement black hair accessory, proving that racewear can be just as impactful without traditional florals or pastel shades.
Colour, Couture and Statement Millinery
Among the standout arrivals was Demi Brereton, who commanded attention in a striking citrus-yellow floor-length gown. The sleek halter-neck design featured elegant draping through the neckline and a streamlined silhouette, allowing the vibrant colour to make its own statement.
A delicate, silver, textured headpiece and a metallic clutch provided a sophisticated contrast, making for one of the day’s most memorable looks.
Adelle Petropoulos delivered high-fashion drama in a sculptural burgundy gown featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, architectural detailing and a dramatic open back.
The rich wine-coloured fabric, structured folds and sleek silhouette brought a couture-inspired edge to the racecourse. Adelle completed the look with coordinating burgundy accessories and a polished updo, demonstrating that darker tones can be equally striking for spring racing.
Elyse Zahra embraced playful femininity in a vibrant lemon-yellow mini dress adorned with oversized three-dimensional detailing. The sculptural petals, accented with soft pastel tones, created a whimsical yet sophisticated statement.
Her wide-brimmed pale-blue hat added an elegant finishing touch, while a coordinating clutch complemented the dress’s delicate colour palette.
Rhemy Bea chose a softer interpretation of spring dressing in a flowing periwinkle-blue halter-neck gown. With a gathered neckline and intricate bodice detailing, the design was understated yet beautifully considered.
She accessorised with pointed metallic heels, a structured handbag and dark sunglasses, creating a polished look that felt relaxed and contemporary.
Romantic and Modern Tailoring
Ash Donner brought a romantic touch to the arrivals in a soft ivory maxi dress featuring delicate floral detailing along the neckline and a voluminous skirt.
Her pastel-pink accessories, including a statement tilted hat, matching handbag and pointed heels, introduced a subtle pop of colour. The combination was a beautiful example of classic spring racing femininity with a fresh, youthful appeal.
Emily Gurr, Creative Director of Beverly, remained true to her signature aesthetic, delivering the understated yet effortlessly chic style she has become known for.
Dressed in a relaxed sage-green blouse paired with a beautifully tailored neutral maxi skirt, Emily embraced soft, earthy tones and clean lines. Her dark sunglasses and loosely styled blonde hair completed a look that was unmistakably Emily, sophisticated, contemporary and never overdone.
Alongside her, Cameron Northway looked equally polished in a sharply tailored ivory double-breasted suit, featuring contrasting dark buttons, a crisp white shirt and dark tie.
Together, the pair brought a refined sense of style to Beverly, proving that sometimes the most memorable fashion statements are the simplest.
Jamie Melham Brings Classic Elegance to Beverly
Australian jockey Jamie Melham was also among the notable guests, stepping out in a sophisticated burgundy-and-black checked mini dress.
The long-sleeved design featured a classic round neckline, a fitted silhouette and gold-button detailing at the cuffs.
Jamie paired the look with delicate strappy metallic heels and a small shoulder bag, keeping her accessories refined and understated.
Spring Racing Fashion Finds Its Own Direction
This year’s opening day demonstrated just how much Australian racewear continues to evolve.
While traditional millinery and elegant dresses remain central to the occasion, guests embraced a broader range of styles, from dramatic architectural gowns and oversized floral embellishments to relaxed tailoring and fashion-forward separates.
Yellow emerged as a standout colour, with both Demi Brereton and Elyse Zahra embracing vibrant interpretations of the shade. Soft blues, ivory and delicate pastels also featured prominently, while burgundy and chocolate brown introduced richer tones to the spring palette.
Statement headwear remained an important element of race-day dressing, with wide-brimmed hats, sculptural designs and contemporary accessories adding individuality to each ensemble.
Against the stylish backdrop of The Avenue and Beverly’s exclusive marquee, the fashionable arrivals provided plenty of inspiration for the spring racing season ahead.
With the historic 150th running of the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup on Saturday, October 17, attention now turns to one of Melbourne’s most anticipated dates on the racing and fashion calendar.
By Melinda Sullivan.
For more information please visit https://mrc.racing.com/
