Some of Australia’s biggest stars turned it up in the style stakes while attending Penfold’s Victoria Derby Day on Saturday.
The first event in the Melbourne Cup Carnival is best known by punters for its strict black and white dress code, with attendees going all out.
There were no exceptions this year, with stars including fashion entrepreneur Rebecca Judd, Victoria Racing Club (VRC) ambassador Christian Wilkins and model Erin Holland turning it up a notch in 2023 – as well as Lance and Jesinta Franklin who made a triumphant return to Flemington.
The star couple’s appearance at the Penfold’s marquee in the exclusive Birdcage enclosure was a full-circle moment for the high-profile pair after Lance and Jesinta made their debut at the event back in 2013.
“It wasn’t a throwaway decision for us just to go to Derby Day and make it public,” Jesinta recently told Stellar.
“We’d been seeing each other privately so Derby Day was a big moment for us. We were consciously saying, ‘We’re going to make this public’. And we knew that when that happened, it wasn’t just a dating thing.”
Christian Wilkins also stood out in the famous crowd, donned in an all-black outfit by emerging Melbourne designer Vasilios.
His statement hooded shirt was inspired by Kylie Minogue and Saint Laurent, he told Nine Newspapers.
Fans of the rising Australian star labelled Wilkins’ stylish ensemble “insane” and “stunning” on Instagram.
Bec Judd also wowed her fans with her outfit, a figure-hugging black strapless dress by Effie Kats with a plunging statement neckline.
Judd paired the outfit with Lana Wilkinson stilettos, Saint Laurent earrings and clutch, and a wide-brimmed hat by milliner Stacey Hemera Roberts.
The glamorous mum-of-four was a guest of Crown, who made its debut in the Birdcage this year with its luxury marquee, with Judd expressing thanks on social media for the exclusive invite.
“@crownhotels marquee for Derby Day,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Fun + friends + lots of margaritas.”
She also shared a selfie alongside influencer royalty Tammy Hembrow and best friend Nadia Bartel.
Erin Holland, who was styled by celebrity stylist Donny Galella, also opted for a hooded look, in a white custom mini-dress made by Jaton Couture.
Galella revealed Holland was also wearing black Bulgari bag and Billini peep-toe shoes as well as accessorising with black gloves.
“This is so hot,” one follower declared.
“Killed it,” another agreed.
Holland’s 577,000 followers also raved about the “amazing” outfit, labelling it “stunning” and “the best of Derby Day” in her comments.
“Ok that’s a killer frock! Love it!” one said.
“So hot!” another wrote.
As one declared: “Kylie Minogue eat your heart out, stunning!”
It comes after Holland’s relatable 2022 Derby Day moment which saw her hit headlines around the country for falling foul to a wardrobe malfunction.
Nadia Bartel looked resplendent in a strapless, white, floor-length tuxedo dress.
The HENNE co-founder wore her own brand, matching the gown with an oversized black bow, Saint Laurent heels and a bag from The Row.
Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio looked demure in an all-white ensemble by New Zealand label Paris Georgia.
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel, who was the guest of honour at the LANDMARK by Lexus marquee told The Age she wouldn’t be challenging any dress codes, instead “lean(ing) towards a contemporary style when it comes to racewear”.
“I think it is important to incorporate glamour and elegance with comfort,” she said.
“Designers like Ralph Lauren and Hermes would probably be my first choices, as they always mix sophistication with just the right amount of fun.”
Sky and Fox Sports presenter Holly Stearnes stood out in what was potentially the widest hat brimmed of the day.
Stearnes matched the statement piece, which she got in France, with a white Jacquemus dress and vintage beaded clutch.
Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson opted for both black and white – and took advantage of the Victoria Racing Club’s newly-relaxed cut-out rule in a structured dress with sheer detailing by Melbourne’s Cappellazzo Couture.
Crown Princess Mary’s nephew, Count Nikolai of Monpezat, and his girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup looked sleek for their first visit to Flemington, as official guests of the VRC.
Count Nikolai wore a suit by Sydney tailors P Johnson, while Thoustrup’s elegant black outfit is by Armani.
The couple are studying in Australia for the semester, after which they will return to Denmark.
Olivia Molly Rogers, who is a Spring Carnival fixture, also opted for all black in an elegant strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, custom made by Drenusha Xharra.
The former Miss Universe Australia accessorised with a black veil by Lauren J Ritchie Millinery, and a pin representing the Australian Childhood Foundation.
Karl and Jasmine Stefanovic looked dapper in all black.
The TODAY co-host thankfully didn’t make good on his playful threat Friday to take the VRC up on its permitting of men to wear tailored shorts to the event for the first time.
Jessie Murphy, who is married to legendary Carlton player Marc Murphy, was striking in an off-the-shoulder white dress, which she paired with an oversized white bow.
Dressage champion and former Love Island UK star Gemma Owen – who is an official VRC ambassador – kept things simple in a black strapless dress and hat.
The 20-year-old, who is the eldest child of international soccer star Michael Owen, told news.com.au on Friday she was “super excited to experience Australia and the race”.
“I’ve heard so many good things about Melbourne Cup, so it’s definitely been something on my bucket list for a while,” Owen said.
She revealed she would be wearing custom designs for each day of the Carnival that had “never been seen before”.
Racing royalty Kate Waterhouse looked chic as ever in a contrasting black-and-white dress by Toni Maticevski.
Model and body positivity activist Georgina Burke stunned in a one-shoulder dress by Solace London with white detailing, and an Ann Shoebridge hat.
Burke told Nine Newspapers she’s proud to be the first “woman of size” to have an official ambassador role with the VRC.
“Any body of any size can try out for fashions on the field and I think that’s beautiful,” the Queenslander said.
Western Bulldogs heart-throb Bailey Smith added a point of difference in a grey suit, alongside girlfriend Gemma Dawkins.
The VRC has updated its dress regulations for exclusive member areas at the iconic racecourse, including the prestigious Birdcage, for 2023.
This has seen a more modern view on once controversial fashion trends, such as cut-outs, exposed midriffs and low backs.
However, VRC has stressed members are still “expected to maintain a suitable standard of racewear attire”, stating: “This is not a case of anything goes.”
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Men have also received an updated dress code this year, being allowed to wear “tailored” shorts for the first time, thought only with a suit jacket and tie.
Other looks that are still banned from the track include bralettes and bandeau crop tops as well as short jumpsuits and playsuits for women.
While ripped clothing, joggers, and denim are on the “no-go” list for everyone, the VRC website states.
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