Although there was only one victorious champion at the end of the Melbourne Cup, it was homegrown fashion that really stole the show. Spring racing is the perfect opportunity for attendees to break out their brightest colours and most extravagant headpieces, and this year, the focus was truly on Australian designers, with some of the biggest celebrities donning their favourite homegrown pieces. American socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild, who has embraced the Melbourne Cup as one of the key events on her social calendar, stepped out in one of the leading Australian designers of the moment, Rebecca Vallance.
The star recently collaborated with the Australian designer on a series of party looks ahead of the holiday season, and celebrated the launch by donning a lemon yellow off-the-shoulder top with a pleated midi skirt. British actor and superstar Elizabeth Hurely was another who took the trend in her stride too, looking radiant in her striking canary yellow midi dress, which was also created by Australian talent Rebecca Vallance. Former jockey Michelle Payne was embracing the designers from Down Under too, wearing an exceptional gold mini dress from Jason Grech, who originally hails from Melbourne.
“The one and only,” Ms Payne said as she showed off her look. “He’s a master!” Model Renee Fay Lamb also caused a commotion by wearing an emerald green dress from another famous Australian label, Pilgrim, complete with a stunning peacock-adorned fascinator and black access.