Derby Day 2026: A Return to True Racing Elegance
Helena Christensen, Rebecca Vallance, Kate Waterhouse, Rebecca Judd and Nadia Bartel were among the stylish guests at Flemington for Derby Day 2026, where traditional racewear made a welcome return.
Yesterday’s Howden Victoria Derby Day was, in my eyes, one of the most stylish in recent years.
What impressed me most was the return to true racing fashion. Beautifully tailored suits, structured jackets, cinched waists and elegant pencil skirts falling just below the knee. This is the kind of dressing I have always associated with Flemington, and I loved seeing so much of it.
The millinery was equally impressive. Oversized, sweeping hats, sculptural brims, and traditional pillbox styles were everywhere, bringing back the old-world glamour that makes Derby Day so special.
Of course, black and white dominated, but the attention to detail really caught my eye. Intricate lace, beautiful fabrics, sharp tailoring, and accessories that complemented the outfit rather than overpowering it.
Helena Christensen and Rebecca Vallance
International supermodel Helena Christensen joined Australian designer Rebecca Vallance at LANDMARK by Lexus, with both women dressed in Rebecca Vallance.
Christensen looked sophisticated in a fitted black-and-white tweed dress with an off-the-shoulder neckline, paired with a wide-brimmed black hat and pointed heels.
Vallance wore an elegant white midi dress with a cape-style overlay, delicate black lace detailing and long black gloves.
Two very different looks, both beautifully styled and perfectly suited to Derby Day.
Rozalia Russian
Rozalia Russian looked sensational in Steven Khalil, wearing an intricate black lace ensemble with a sculpted waist, plunging neckline and beautifully detailed floral lacework.
Her matching hat by Millinery by Sara completed the look. I particularly loved the craftsmanship and how the lace gave the outfit such a beautiful finish.
Kate Waterhouse
Kate Waterhouse chose J’Aton Couture, wearing an ivory creation with a structured corset bodice, lace-up back and beautifully draped satin skirt.
Her oversized white hat by Bonnie Evelyn Millinery was a standout, complemented by Paspaley pearls and Jimmy Choo accessories.
The construction of this dress was exceptional, and the dramatic hat gave it that unmistakable Derby Day finish.
Rebecca Judd
Rebecca Judd was another favourite of mine, wearing a black J’Aton Couture creation to the Howden marquee.
The structured bodice, off-the-shoulder neckline and fitted peplum waist were beautifully balanced by an intricate lace pencil skirt.
Her black hat by Ezara J, Paul Bram diamonds and Lana Wilkinson heels completed the outfit.
I loved the silhouette. The fitted jacket-style bodice and below-the-knee skirt were exactly the sort of traditional racing lines I enjoy seeing.
Nadia Bartel
Nadia Bartel made quite the entrance in white J’Aton Couture, wearing a beautifully ruched corset design with delicate textured detailing.
Her oversized hat by Bonnie Evelyn Millinery was magnificent, while sheer opera-length gloves, Anton Jewellery and Saint Laurent accessories completed the look.
There was a real sense of couture craftsmanship here, particularly through the structured waist and intricate fabric work.
Jessie Murphy
Jessie Murphy wore a custom ivory satin suit by Cappellazzo Couture, featuring a beautifully fitted blazer and pencil skirt.
Her oversized hat by Melissa Jackson Millinery and white Saint Laurent heels finished the look.
This was one of my favourite examples of traditional racewear. The tailoring was sharp, the proportions were beautiful and the skirt length was perfect for the occasion.
Sarah Lucas
Sarah Lucas looked incredibly chic in black J’Aton Couture.
The structured shoulders, plunging neckline and fitted waist created a beautiful silhouette, paired with a flowing midi skirt.
An oversized black disc hat and statement silver earrings finished the outfit.
The tailoring was particularly impressive, with the jacket creating such a strong, elegant shape.
Olympia Valance
Olympia Valance opted for a more contemporary interpretation of racewear, wearing a white ensemble with a crisp collared blouse, voluminous sleeves and a sculpted peplum waist.
A sleek midi skirt, oversized black lace hat and dark sunglasses completed her look.
I loved the contrast between the traditional skirt and the more fashion-forward styling.
Jacqui Felgate
Jacqui Felgate looked elegant in white, wearing a fitted dress with a delicate feathered skirt.
She accessorised with a matching feathered handbag, pointed heels and a minimalist headpiece.
A lovely feminine look, with just enough texture to make it interesting.
Danielle Collins and Cam Birch
Danielle Collins wore a striking black-and-white design by C’DAM, featuring a strapless black bodice and dramatic white bubble detailing.
Long black gloves, gold statement earrings and sleek millinery completed her look.
Cam Birch looked equally polished in a black double-breasted suit with a statement jewelled brooch.
A beautifully coordinated couple.
Brit Selwood
Brit Selwood embraced all-white dressing with a softly structured tunic, delicate feathered detailing and flowing tailored underskirt.
Her white pillbox hat with a fine veil was a particular favourite of mine.
I have always loved traditional pillbox millinery, and it was wonderful to see this classic style making an appearance at Flemington.
Annalise Dalins
Annalise Dalins looked fresh and stylish in a white tailored mini dress featuring sharp lapels and a beautifully fitted corset waist.
An oversized white hat and matching clutch completed her outfit.
The structured tailoring gave this youthful look a sophisticated finish.
Andy Lee and Bec Lee
Andy Lee and Bec Lee embraced the traditional black-and-white dress code.
Bec wore a black pinstripe mini dress with an asymmetric tailored silhouette and draped neckline, finished with a simple black headpiece.
Andy looked smart in a classic black suit, white shirt and black tie.
Alicia Loxley
Television presenter Alicia Loxley looked beautifully put together in a black midi dress featuring a sheer neckline and contrasting white collar.
The fitted silhouette and below-the-knee hemline were perfectly suited to Derby Day.
Her sweeping black hat, structured handbag and pointed heels finished the outfit beautifully.
Another look that captured the traditional elegance of the occasion.
Chelsea Ivy
Chelsea Ivy brought a romantic touch to Derby Day in an all-white ensemble featuring delicate flutter sleeves and feminine detailing.
Instead of a traditional hat, she wore a sheer white lace headscarf over her blonde waves, paired with a quilted Chanel handbag.
A softer, vintage-inspired approach to the dress code.
Jamie Melham
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham swapped her racing silks for a sophisticated black strapless midi dress.
The fitted design featured delicate lace trim and a statement front zip, paired with a black beret-style headpiece and strappy heels.
A lovely look from one of Australian racing’s most recognisable names.
Elliot Garnaut
Celebrity stylist Elliot Garnaut certainly understood the assignment, arriving in a traditional grey three-piece morning suit, striped tie and black top hat.
I loved seeing this classic approach to men’s racing fashion. The tailoring, top hat and attention to detail were a wonderful nod to Derby Day’s history.
Tom Steinfort
Today Show host Tom Steinfort kept things classic at LANDMARK by Lexus in a black suit, crisp white shirt and patterned tie.
Simple, smart and perfectly appropriate for the occasion.
Derby Day Fashion Is at Its Best When Tradition Comes First
Having worked in fashion for more than 30 years, I have always appreciated beautiful tailoring and the importance of dressing for the occasion.
For me, racing fashion should be elegant. It should celebrate beautiful fabrics, thoughtful styling and, above all, exceptional millinery.
I love seeing a structured jacket, a fitted waist and a pencil skirt that falls just below the knee. There is something so sophisticated about those traditional lines.
And I absolutely love a big hat.
This year, the millinery was magnificent. From oversized sweeping brims to the return of the pillbox, there was a real appreciation for the styles that have made Australian racing fashion so distinctive.
Designers including J’Aton Couture, Steven Khalil, Rebecca Vallance and Cappellazzo Couture showed just how beautiful structured dressing can be.
What I enjoyed most was seeing women embrace their own style while still respecting the traditions of Derby Day.
Fashion will always evolve, and it should. But there are certain occasions where tradition is part of the appeal.
Derby Day is one of them.
For me, yesterday was a reminder of why I have always loved racing fashion. The tailoring, the hats, the beautiful silhouettes and the attention to detail. This was true Derby Day dressing, and I thought it was magnificent.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Toby Sullivan and Lucas Dawson.
Lexus Images Supplied by Havas Red.
