Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026: A First Look at Fashions on the Field Presented by Lexus
From sculptural millinery and contemporary tailoring to feathers and statement silhouettes, Flemington offered a first glimpse of the fashion set to define this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) welcomed media and fashion industry guests to Flemington Racecourse today for an exclusive preview of Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus, ahead of the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
With spring racing just around the corner, the morning offered a taste of what’s to come, and if there was one thing to take away, it was that racewear continues to evolve well beyond traditional dressing.
Now in its 64th year, Fashions on the Field remains one of the most anticipated events on Melbourne’s fashion calendar. This year, the competition returns to Flemington’s famous front lawn, with a striking new pavilion created in collaboration with Harry the Hirer Productions.
A Modern Take on Racewear
Fashions on the Field hosts Elle Rayias and Kris Smith will lead this year’s fashion conversation, each bringing a distinctly different approach to spring racing style.
Today Elle chose lavender, embracing texture, feathers, and tonal colour blocking. Her fitted lace dress featured delicate feather detailing across the shoulders, while a wide-brimmed hat and feather-trimmed heels carried the colour through from head to toe.
It was feminine without being predictable, with just the right amount of drama.
Kris Smith took a more relaxed direction, pairing a brown pinstripe jacket with a crisp white shirt, cream high-waisted trousers and dark leather shoes.
The look was a departure from the more conventional race-day suit, favouring softer tailoring and an understated approach to dressing.
Kris even admitted it was the first time he had worn high-waisted trousers, a style choice that worked particularly well with the proportions of his jacket.
Kylie Rogers Makes a Statement in Pink
VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers brought a refreshing approach to racewear in a blush-pink ensemble that was all about the details.
From the front, the silhouette was understated and elegant, but it was the back that delivered the fashion moment.
An oversized fuchsia bow fell dramatically against the soft pink fabric, creating a striking contrast of colour and proportion. The open-back design added another dimension, while a coordinating pillbox-style hat with delicate feather detailing completed the look.
It was a clever balance of classic femininity and contemporary design, proving that a single statement detail can transform an entire outfit.
Millinery as Wearable Art
If there was one element that demanded attention at today’s preview, it was the millinery.
Two particularly striking creations pushed the boundaries of traditional racewear, demonstrating just how closely fashion and art can intersect.
The first featured an intricately constructed horse suspended within a sculptural arrangement of fine black wirework. The delicate framework created an almost architectural silhouette, with the horse appearing to float above the wearer’s head.
Paired with a silver-grey dress featuring exaggerated folds, structured volume and sheer detailing, the result was contemporary and visually arresting.
Alongside it, an equally dramatic creation took a more fluid approach.
A sweeping black brim provided the foundation for an extraordinary flourish of golden, feather-like strands that curved upwards in an elongated, almost gravity-defying form.
The headpiece was paired with an ivory ensemble featuring soft draping, a high neckline and a sheer lace corset-style waist.
There was a beautiful contrast between the movement of the millinery and the softness of the clothing.
Both looks demonstrated the level of craftsmanship involved in creating statement racewear, where millinery is no longer simply an accessory but an integral part of the design.
Melbourne’s Fashion Set Comes Together
Among those attending the launch were designer to the stars Jason Grech and stylist Alicia Marshall, two familiar faces within Melbourne’s fashion industry.
Grech, whose designs have long been associated with glamorous eveningwear and red-carpet dressing, has established himself as one of Melbourne’s recognisable fashion personalities.
Marshall is equally respected for her meticulous approach to styling.
Known for her attention to detail, Alicia brings a considered eye to the talent she dresses, ensuring every element works together, from the silhouette to the smallest accessory.
That same attention extends to her own wardrobe. Always beautifully put together, she understands that personal style is as much about restraint and proportion as it is about making a statement.
Their presence added another fashion industry dimension to a morning celebrating the designers, stylists and milliners who contribute to Melbourne’s racing identity.
A New Direction for Fashions on the Field
During the launch, VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers reflected on the history and significance of Fashions on the Field, while introducing a new addition to the competition, The Remix.
The new category adds another dimension to a competition that has continued to evolve alongside Australian fashion.
Elle Ray and Kris Smith will return as hosts throughout the Carnival, leading proceedings from the newly designed Fashions on the Field Pavilion.
For more than six decades, the competition has reflected the changing face of Australian style, from the formal elegance of traditional racewear to today’s more individual interpretations of fashion.
And while the dress codes and silhouettes may have evolved, the attention to detail remains.
Beautiful tailoring, considered accessories, exceptional millinery and a sense of individuality continue to define the best of racewear.
For those of us who have spent years covering Melbourne’s fashion scene, Fashions on the Field remains an important part of the city’s creative calendar.
It provides a platform for established designers and emerging talent, while continuing to celebrate the craftsmanship behind Australian fashion.
Today’s preview reminded us that the Melbourne Cup Carnival is about more than what happens on the track.
At Flemington, fashion has always had its own story. Please also visit https://www.vrc.com.au/
By Melinda Sullivan.
Photography by Danielle Castano.
