Flemington was in full bloom yesterday as it celebrated the first day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival - AAMI Victoria Derby Day.
It was a perfect Melbourne morning as eager racegoers travelled to the track, a sea of black and white descended on Flemington to embrace the Spring sunshine.
The Myer Fashions on the Field enclosure was a hub of activity as fashionable hopefuls waited for their turn to wow the judges and the crowd with their Derby Day racewear finery.
Hosts Myer designer Jeff Banks and Channel 7's Fifi Box introduced an impressive judging panel with the likes of Myer Racing Ambassador Rebecca Judd, Myer Fashions on the Field Ambassador Alison Saville, VRC International Style Ambassador Philip Treacy OBE, Myer Designer Yeojin Bae, special guests Lindy Klim and Derryn Hinch and Myer Fashions on the Field past winners.
Lisa Wellings, a long time entrant from Sydney, took out the Women's Racewear Daily Final to the delight of the crowd. Dressed in a gold Toni Maticevski tailored dress with sleeves, Wellings accentuated the stunning outfit with beige and black 30's inspired millinery. She will now return to Flemington on Crown Oaks Day, Thursday 8 November , to compete in the Women's Racewear Victorian Final.
The buzzing birdcage was the place to see, and be seen!
The Myer Marquee appropriately named The Florist was a breath of fresh air as it burst with blooms and pretty pastel hues. The cute colourful waiters kitted in shorts, plaid shirts and lilac bow ties made sure the incredible crystal champagne flutes were topped up with G.H. Mumm bubbles and actor/DJ Alex Dimitriades - a regular at Derby Day - had a dalliance on the decks in the early afternoon that got guests dancing.
The Emirates Marquee took guests on a cultural journey through Ireland with the marquee's exterior replicating the charm of a Dublin High Street whilst the main attraction was the authentic library bookcases behind the bar inspired by the Long Room of Trinity College. Guests of the Emirates Marquee were treated to performances from Irish Dancers as well as a menu of classic Irish dishes with a modern twist.
There were many in the marquee who were hoping they had some of that Irish luck when it came to the horses however most of the female guests felt they were in luck with the famous powder room on offer where they were able to get their hair fixed and make-up touched up by the talented team from Napoleon.
With the first day down, now all eyes turn to Emirates Melbourne Cup Day where Myer Fashions on the Field will continue. With a phenomenal prize pool valued at $400,000 including a brand new Lexus IS 250C F Sport convertible, competition will be tough! A tip for the boys - don't forget to wear a pink rose!