Fashions On The Field goes global to find the world’s most stylish

The renowned Fashions on the Field competition is set to grow in 2023 as it expands to include international racing and fashion followers who want to share in the glamorous spirit of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

For the first time, a finalist for both the major Best Dressed and Best Suited awards will be selected in a new international category for entrants outside Australia.

The international winners will be flown to Flemington for Cup Week where they will enjoy an unforgettable experience on track and compete in the live final against Australian state and territory finalists on Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday 9 November.

The time-honoured Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award will also be open to international entrants for the first time, with milliners across the world invited to submit a design and showcase their creativity.

The VRC’s Fashions on the Field competition is one of the most internationally recognised and inclusive fashion events in the world, with entrants across all categories encouraged to express their own style through creative, fun and inspiring race wear looks.

In 2022, the VRC celebrated 60 years of Fashions on the Field and unveiled a new chapter in the competition by transforming the traditional men’s and women’s categories to the style-led Best Dressed and Best Suited Awards, with all genders encouraged to enter either category based on their unique personal style.

The internationalisation of the competition is set to bring fashion lovers closer together to share in their universal devotion to fashion and racewear trends, with VRC Chairman Neil Wilson saying the latest innovation to the time-honoured competition will drive reach, relevance, and prestige.

“As we look ahead to Cup Week this year, we are pleased to open the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition to a global audience for the first time,” Mr Wilson said.

“Fashion is a universally appreciated expression of people’s individual style and we look forward to racing enthusiasts across the globe showcasing their unique take on race wear on track at Flemington or virtually, which will include the new international competition for the first time.

“Opening up the competition to international competitors aligns with the Lexus Melbourne Cup’s global interest and will ensure fashion lovers across the world can be part of Cup Week at Flemington and this iconic fashion event.

In celebration of the international announcement, the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy visited international models Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer in London as part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour’s visit to the United Kingdom.

The twin daughters of the late Princess Diana’s brother Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, said they were looking forward to seeing the amazing entries from across the globe.

“Racewear fashion really is its own fashion category and I know there will be some amazing international entries for the Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field competition,” Lady Eliza said.

“It’s always so exciting to get dressed up for a day at the races, no matter the location, and we know there are fashion lovers across the world who feel the same.”

Lady Amelia agreed, adding their photoshoot with the iconic Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy sparked fresh style ideas for the pair.

“It was great to discover some wonderful Australian labels at our Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field shoot in London and I can’t wait to see the style and creativity of entrants this year,” Lady Amelia said.

“Our sister Kitty has attended the Melbourne Cup Carnival twice and has the fondest memories of her visit, including the amazing fashion.”

A digital entry mechanism will allow all prospective interstate and overseas entrants to join the competition with ease, no matter their location, by uploading a selection of images in their favourite race wear look. Digital entries for 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field officially open on Thursday 27 July.

Racegoers who attend Flemington across the first three days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival can enter the competition in person at a dedicated on-course registration site, with overall winners to be announced live in the afternoon of Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday 9 November.

The 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 4 November followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 7 November, Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday 9 November and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday 11 November.