The controversial new fashion trend for the spring races at Flemington Racecourse for Derby Day
As the clock struck 9:30 on Saturday morning, Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse was flooded with guests dressed to the nines for one of the Spring Carnival’s most star-studded events: Match day.
Characterized by the famous black and white dress code, the nine-race program saw stylish Aussies don their best – and most daring – monochrome attire for the iconic star-studded day, the official start of ‘Cup Week’.
Despite many today turning it up in a sensational display of eye-catching figure-hugging numbers, sky-high fashion items and OTT statement sleeves, the sartorial standard this season has been noticeably less modest and controversially casual.
Celebrities continue to seriously test the ceremonial dress code with sheer panels, thigh-high slits, midriff cutouts, plunging necklines and cheeky off-the-shoulder numbers – most notably Pip Edwards, Lana Wilkinson, Bambi Northwood-Blyth, Montana Cox and Tess Shanahan.
Stylist to the stars Lana Wilkinson wasn’t afraid to test the traditional boundaries of the dress code as she showed off her legs under a sheer skirt topped with an off-the-shoulder piece that showed off her skin. Model Tess Shanahan (right) also showed off some skin with a huge cutout in her figure-hugging number
Bambi Northwood-Blyth showed off her enviable physique in a plunging jumpsuit – a daring choice considering the more traditional and modest looks of previous years
Pip Edwards caught the attention of racegoers when she confidently wore a sheer skirt over hot pants, leaving her legs on full display. She completed the look with an oversized blazer, a large white clutch and a white cap. A confident move for a conservative event
Montana Cox arrived in a sassy mini dress with a sleek, off-the-shoulder neckline that showed off her curves; It’s unlikely the playful look saw the inside of the Birdcage before a more daring clothing trend emerged
Designer Rebecca Vallance told Daily Mail Australia it’s fine to go shorter on Derby Day, but suggested something more modest for Melbourne Cup Day, despite bold looks slowly becoming the ‘norm’.
“Derby Day is the first day of the Spring Racing Carnival and the dress code is black and white only – it’s a chance to have fun with your outfit,” she said.
The black and white dress code dates back to the 1960s, when a huge clothing prize was awarded to the woman who wore the best monochrome ensemble at the Melbourne Cup, which was sponsored by whiskey brand Jamas Buchanan and Co; the brand has a black and white logo.
It was soon adopted by other events as an ‘unofficial’ dress code and as Derby Day is the most ‘bespoke’ day of the carnival, black and white suited the occasion perfectly.
The $2 million Group 1 Penfolds Victoria Derby was first held in 1855 and brings together Australia’s most talented young stayers.
Take a look at the other notable trends that emerged from Derby Day 2023…
OTT SLEEVE
Lorinska Merrington (left) and Rachel Watts (right) weren’t shy when it came to a statement cover as they arrived at Flemington Racecourse
Pregnant Anna Heinrich also opted for a beautiful statement sleeve to complement her sleek black look for the day
HUGE ARCHES
Model and former winner of Fashions on the Field wore a huge white bow embellishment, taking the trend to new heights. Jessie Murphy rocked a gorgeous oversized white bow in her tumbling mid-length dress
SEXY STRAPLESS FROCKS
Olivia Molly Rogers stuns in a plunging strapless stress while Kate Waterhouse wore the trend a little differently with a curved neckline and a playful fringed skirt
Tiktok’s Elle Ray opted for a form-fitting corset with sheer panels and a plunging back as she arrived at the star-studded Birdcage
BRIDAL CHIC
Erin Holland wore a hooded outfit reminiscent of a modern bride, while Kate Peck also exuded cool Vegas girl bridal vibes in a cute white gown with loose sleeves and a chiffon bow
Rozalia Russian also exuded a super cool runaway bride as she walked through the Birdcage