Fashions on the Field: Because it’s not just about the racing…

12 October 2022

Ahead of the Melbourne Cup, Victoria Racing Club have turned tradition on its head.

By Fashion Quarterly
Trackside fashion is a staple in the excitment of Flemington's Melbourne Cup.

While the majority of people head to the races for well, the racing. There are some among us who unashamedly thrive on the trackside fashion. And there is no better place to showcase the latest styles and show ponies (excuse the pun) in all their fashion-forward glory than the Melbourne Cup at Flemington. 

This year however, there is even more cause to celebrate. Not only is it the first cup day since 2019 which will welcome its full spectator crowd of a pre-covid era, but Victoria Racing Club also marks its 60th year of Myer Fashions on the Field. In true form, the club celebrated this milestone with a black-tie gala (which included a champagne tower and confetti from the ceiling etc) and a nostalgic look of the club’s rich fashion history. Images and film highlights over the years played on screens around the venue putting a nostalgic lens on the event. 

But the Victoria Racing Club took this celebration a step further giving Fashions on the Field a complete glow up – making the format its most inclusive yet. So what does that mean? Well, for one thing, their categories are changing and being replaced with ‘Best Dressed’ and ‘Best Suited’ awards. This means instead of sticking to the traditional gender-based competitions, all genders are encouraged to enter either category, based on what kind of attire they prefer.

This year marks Myer Fashions on the Field’s 60th anniversary at Melbourne Cup.

Of the changes VRC Head of PR, Community and Corporate Communications Emily Morris said the club was proud to be making them. 

“In celebration of Myer Fashions on the Field’s 60th anniversary and its return to Flemington, we are ensuring our fashion story drives equality, inclusion and individuality as we set course for the next 60 years,” she said. 

“We proudly embrace the notion that fashion, and style are an expression of individual creativity and believe this should be reflected in the international event.”

There’s good news for Kiwis too who can’t physically get to the races. You can now enter the iconic competition online with entrants from both New Zealand and Australia able to submit their photos from this month. 

So what does this all mean for fashion? Fashion Quarterly is excited to see all the frills and flounce, hats and handbags, the dapper suits and dopamine dressing worn by whoever chooses to wear it with flourish.

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