Elizabeth Hurley and Damian Hurley pose for a photo during 2024 Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 05, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
As two New Zealanders vie for the best dressed and best suited titles at Melbourne Cup 2024 Fashions on the Field event, check out some of the amazing looks rolling in as the gates open for racing.
Going strong for 62 years and considered one of the highlights, Fashions on the Field includes contests over several days at Flemington Course, where the pool prize offered is more than $A370,000 ($NZ408,000).
Even without a competition though, attendees and members at the Melbourne Cup racing itself are known to make an effort to dress up - making a statement with bright coloured outfits and eye-catching head pieces.
Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley with her son, also a model, Damian Hurley, are all about the yellow flowers. Note Damian's neat inclusion of the horseshoe pin on his jacket. Photo: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
Journalist, model and author Kate Waterhouse - daughter of Australian horse training legend Gai Waterhouse - looks like she's come out of a 1960s' movie with this retro style cat eye sunglasses and loose headscarf. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus - who is the reigning Olympic champion in the women's 400-metre freestyle - perfectly matches the red theme going on for quite a few attendees this year with an off-shoulder flower statement dress, nicely paired with a long ribbon hair tie tucked behind her. Photo: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
Racegoers got Vogue's memo about vibrant colours being the one of the go-to trends this year for racing season. Hints of creativity coming through with the sort of puffed of lip shaped-hat, bow ties on handbags and the veiled wide brim hat. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Deborah J Quinn - labelled by Vogue as "the world's biggest Stephen Jones client" - certainly indulges in the freedom of expression in her style. She doesn't miss a trick whether it be the lace fingerless gloves, shimmering metallic head piece, or thick-rimmed Windsor-style sunnies. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Model Olivia Molly Rogers is a picture of elegance with this fiery red dress - reminding people of her well-earned title as Miss Universe Australia in 2017. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Irish singer and radio presenter Ronan and Aussie Storm Keating like to keep it simple at this year's Melbourne Cup. Photo: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
Did Melbourne-based influencer Hannah Del Sasso also get the memo about the red flowers? Her dress has its own spin on the strapless, with a chic sheer waist style. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Fashions on the Field enthusiast Crystal Kimber doesn't forget she's a Victoria Racing Club ambassador - showcasing her pink seashell-looking head piece as a centre point of her outfit. Photo: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images
Let's admire this stunning headpiece - reminds us of a peacock-like tail print. Photo: Wendell Teodoro / Getty Images
TV hosts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie have really put out a statement with their suits among the celebs. The colourful patterns and layered look is sure to capture some attention. Photo: Sam Tabone/Getty Images
The general public can dress as they please, but there are some guidelines for members to adhere to in terms of how much skin they're allowed to show and suitability, otherwise they risk not being allowed in to their designated area.
Clothes deemed not acceptable for members include garments showing the belly button or with an open back below the waist, short jumpsuits/playsuits or shorts above the knee, bralettes and bandeau crop tops, jeans, torn or ripped clothing even if considered 'designer' tears, leggings worn as pants, denim, parkas, and duffle coats.
That's not all, the list also bans certain footwear like joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, slippers, gumboots, or thongs.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
