Whilst the actual ‘race that stops a nations’ heroes are the stars on the track, off the track the heroes or we could say heroines of the Melbourne Cup Carnival are seen in the “Fashions on the field at Flemington” - the pinnacle fashion event of the racing calendar that enables the nation to embrace its ‘passion for fashion’. Competition off the field has been just as fierce as the competition on the field since its inception into the carnival in 1962. Over the years it has grown to over 700 entrants in the ‘Women’s Racewear’ category alone. Men are also now vying for the winners sash in the Men’s Race wear category.
Originally devised by a sub-committee of the VRC to promote the Centenary Cup the object was to ‘find the smartest dressed woman at the carnival within economic restraints’, there were two categories: one for those that had cost no more than £30 and one for those worth more than £50, the launch saw a prize pool of goods and cash to the value of £7000.
The event has evolved over the years and has had its ups, downs and fair share of controversy, between 1971 and 1981 its name and the event itself changed numerous times from the original VRC Fashions on the Field to the Bruck Pony Contest, Polaroid Photo Finish Stakes and the MYER Girl of the Day, all of which were sponsored by major companies.
Jean Shrimpton is responsible for turning the fashion world’s eyes permanently towards Flemington when she attended the cup in 1965 wearing ‘a one-piece shift four inches above the knee, with no hat, gloves or stockings’, this ensemble caused outrage amongst fashion traditionalists and is still referred to as ‘The Melbourne Cups most famous ‘fashion spectacle’.
Today we know it as “Fashions on the Field at Flemington” the event takes place in the MYER Fashion on the Field enclosure and consists of five categories:
Women’s Race wear – open to the general public. The National Final is held on Crown Oaks Day with state winners from Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth competing against the Victorian winner. Mini state competitions were introduced in 2005 due to popularity of the event. The winner not only receives the coveted title, winners sash and major prizes but is also one of the most photographed faces of the Melbourne Cup.
Men’s Race wear - open to the general public. Held on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, this category has been running for 10 years and is continuing to grow in popularity with well-dressed male racegoers.
Emirates Stakes Day Fashion on the Fields – open to children from 6yrs to 17yrs, judged separately in appropriate age groups. An opportunity for children to show off their ‘fun and fashionable race wear’ ensembles, 2010 saw over 800 entrants into this category.
Design Award – by invitation only. Held on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day this event sees both established designers and innovative young talent showcasing their racing fashion.
Millinery Award – by invitation only. Held on Crown Oaks Day, this event is intended as a platform for milliners to showcase their unique creations of hats, headpieces & fascinators that are synonymous with the Melbourne Cup.
Today’s prize pool sits at around $400,000.00 in cash and prizes including a Lexus IS250C convertible, a trip for two to Paris, clothing, accessories and much, much more. Contestants must not have a commercial agenda or be receiving compensation from a third party for their entry into the competition. Registration into the competition can be done on the day of the event between 10:15 and 11:00am however pre-registration online is highly recommended due to the volume of contestants.
“Fashions on the Field at Flemington” is the epitome of Style Sophistication Elegance & Grace. The place to see and be seen and the opportunity for women, men & now also children to indulge in their passion for fashion.
