From Chanel in Sydney to LANDMARK by Lexus in Melbourne.
Two cities, two major fashion events and four celebrated Australian creatives. While Baz Luhrmann reunited with longtime friend Nicole Kidman at Chanel in Sydney, Catherine Martin and daughter Lilly Luhrmann brought their own distinctive style to LANDMARK by Lexus for Crown Oaks Day at Flemington.
It was a day when fashion and family came together, with the Luhrmann-Martin family appearing at two of Australia’s most glamorous events.
Baz Luhrmann was in Sydney for Chanel’s Cruise show, where he joined Nicole Kidman, his longtime friend and one of his most celebrated creative collaborators.
Earlier in the day, Baz appeared on The Morning Show, speaking warmly about his deep friendship and admiration for Nicole.
Reflecting on the trust that has defined their working relationship, he recalled, “She never read a script, we just trusted each other.”
It was a revealing insight into a friendship that has endured for decades, built on mutual respect and a shared passion for storytelling.
Their creative partnership famously includes Moulin Rouge!, the 2001 film that became a defining moment in both their careers. Nicole also starred in Baz’s 2008 epic Australia.
And while Baz and Nicole were making an appearance together in Sydney, Catherine Martin and daughter Lilly Luhrmann were enjoying their own fashionable outing in Melbourne.
The four-time Academy Award-winning costume and production designer, whose extraordinary career includes Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, was among the special guests invited to LANDMARK by Lexus for Crown Oaks Day 2026.
Catherine brought her unmistakable theatrical flair to Flemington in a beige race-horse-print dress with dramatic puff sleeves, a fitted waist, and a flowing ankle-length skirt.
Her accessories were equally expressive, with oversized black-framed sunglasses, a statement floral headpiece and towering platform heels with Spring Daisies adding a playful edge to her racewear look.
Lilly embraced a softer pink palette, also wearing a horse-patterned dress with a contrasting embellished collar. Oversized pink-tinted sunglasses, a coordinating headband, handbag, and pink heels completed her youthful Crown Oaks Day look.
But beyond their fashion choices, there was also a message about sustainability.
Speaking about their decision to embrace environmentally conscious racewear, Lilly said, “We are proud to come to the races in recyclable fashion. It’s good for the environment and good for your wardrobe.”
It was a refreshing message from the emerging creative, highlighting how personal style and a more considered approach to fashion can go hand in hand.
Together, Catherine and Lilly demonstrated that racewear doesn’t have to follow a traditional formula. Their outfits were expressive, playful and full of personality, while their approach to fashion encouraged a conversation about sustainability.
Their appearance was particularly fitting for this year’s LANDMARK by Lexus marquee, which embraced the theme A New Dawn.
The theme celebrates creative expression, craftsmanship, the passing of knowledge between generations and the fresh perspectives shaping fashion and design.
For Catherine, whose work across film, fashion and production design has earned international recognition, creativity has always been at the heart of her career.
Lilly, an emerging creative in her own right, represents the next generation bringing new ideas and perspectives to the industry.
Their appearance together reflected the spirit of A New Dawn, celebrating both experience and the freedom to explore something new.
And while Crown Oaks Day has long been associated with feminine elegance, florals and traditional racewear, Catherine and Lilly brought something refreshingly individual to the occasion.
There was colour, personality and a little theatrical flair — exactly what you might expect from a family whose creative influence has reached some of the world’s biggest stages and screens.
With Baz and Nicole celebrating their longstanding friendship in Sydney and Catherine and Lilly making a statement at Flemington, it was a fashionable day for some of Australia’s most celebrated creative talents.
By Melinda Sullivan.
Photography: Catherine Martin and Lilly Luhrmann images supplied courtesy of Lexus Australia.
Baz Luhrmann and Nicole Kidman imagery: Instagram
Baz Luhrmann interview and quotation: The Morning Show.
Please also visit https://www.chanel.com/gb/fashion/collection/cruise-2026-27-sydney/ and https://www.lexus.com.au/campaign/melbourne-cup/landmark
