Catherine Martin and Daughter Lilly Luhrmann Set to Attend Crown Oaks Day
Catherine Martin and daughter Lilly Luhrmann are heading to Crown Oaks Day at Flemington, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival, which officially launched in Melbourne today, Monday 26 October.
Catherine Martin and Lilly Luhrmann Photo by Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com/Shutterstock
The Victoria Racing Club marked the occasion with a launch hosted by Eddie McGuire and internationally renowned racing presenter Francesca Cumani, bringing together some familiar faces, including legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse, Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Ciaron Maher, milliner Jill Humphries, hospitality entrepreneur Chris Lucas and Mushroom Events’ Tom MacDonald.
With all four feature race trophies on display and Derby Day just days away, the excitement is building for Melbourne’s biggest week of racing, fashion and entertainment.
Gai Waterhouse Talks Melbourne Cup Contenders
Legendary trainer Gai Waterhouse was full of enthusiasm at today’s launch, describing this year’s Melbourne Cup field as exceptional.
“There’s enormous depth in this year’s Cup, probably one of the best we’ve seen,” she said.
And in true Gai Waterhouse fashion, she brought a little humour to the occasion, acknowledging the strength of the Irish competition.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of the Irish horses’ tails,” she joked, revealing that she now owns a few Irish horses herself.
“If you can’t beat them, join them!”
It’s that competitive spirit and good humour that makes Gai such a wonderful personality in Australian racing.
And while the racing is undoubtedly the main attraction, we all know Melbourne loves the fashion, celebrity arrivals and social scene just as much!
Catherine Martin and Lilly Luhrmann Head to Crown Oaks Day
One announcement we’re particularly excited about is the arrival of four-time Academy Award-winning designer Catherine Martin Luhrmann AC and her daughter Lilly Luhrmann, who will be guests of Lexus at Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 5 November.
The mother-daughter duo will attend LANDMARK by Lexus, the luxury carmaker’s three-level pavilion in Flemington’s famous Birdcage Enclosure.
Catherine needs little introduction. The Australian costume and production designer is responsible for some of Hollywood’s most memorable looks, having worked on films including The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, Elvis and Australia.
Her incredible eye for detail and ability to bring a story to life through costume and design have earned her four Academy Awards.
This year, she’ll be sharing the occasion with Lilly, an emerging creative in her own right.
Their appearance ties in beautifully with Lexus’s theme, A New Dawn, which celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
For Catherine, it’s an opportunity to share something she loves with her daughter.
“I’ve always believed that great design comes from a combination of technical mastery, collaboration and a willingness to explore new ideas. Being able to share that appreciation for creativity with Lilly makes attending Crown Oaks Day together with Lexus particularly special.”
The Lexus pavilion will also feature the Australian debut of the Lexus LFA Concept, alongside creative collaborations inspired by the theme.
Melbourne’s Biggest Week of Racing and Fashion
The Carnival begins with Howden Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 31 October, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 3 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 5 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 7 November.
For those of us who love the fashion side of Flemington, there’s always plenty to look forward to, from the beautifully dressed guests to the elaborate millinery and, of course, the famous Birdcage.
And with Catherine Martin and Lilly Luhrmann on the guest list, we’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for what they wear.
After all, when your mother is the woman behind some of Hollywood’s most spectacular costumes, you would imagine getting dressed for Oaks Day might be quite the occasion!
By Melinda Sullivan.
Image Credits Photo by Yvonne Tnt/BFA.com/Shutterstock (14094005ao) supplied by Havas Red
