Francesca Cumani: A stylish partnership

For Cumani, the Lexus Melbourne Cup is a celebration of energy and anticipation, with the lead-up almost as thrilling as the race itself. “Electric, I think, is the word I would use everywhere,” she says.

“Whether it’s the Fashions on the Field, the amazing restaurants, the gorgeous roses, or the horses in the mounting yard, the vibe on the day just kind of makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”

With racing in her blood – her father, Luca Cumani, having come agonisingly close to winning the Melbourne Cup twice, in 2007 and 2008, with Purple Moon and Bauer – Cumani is deeply passionate about the sport. But while racing is her focus, her personal style has also become an undeniable part of the Melbourne Cup experience. “To me, it’s really important to get dressed up for the races because everyone else has put in so much effort, right? The racecourse always looks amazing. The horses always look beautifully turned out. I think it’s part of the race day experience,” she reflects.

Cumani’s polished and daring race day looks are the result of a 20-year friendship with her fashion stylist, Sarah Kate Byrne, who has helped elevate Cumani’s style while maintaining a balance of comfort and elegance.

Byrne’s careful approach to fashion, which combines practicality with glamour, ensures that Cumani is always dressed to impress, without sacrificing comfort. Cumani has shared a few styling tips of her own with Byrne, such as the importance of wearing sturdy block heels and a sprinkle of talcum powder to ensure a comfortable race day experience. “Comfort is key,” Cumani insists, and Byrne agrees.

Byrne, who specialises in sustainable and occasion fashion, has nudged Cumani out of her comfort zone over the years, encouraging her to try bold looks that stand out. Byrne’s style philosophy merges practicality with aesthetics, with essentials like a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection and a chic handbag with a strap for hands-free ease key elements.

Byrne is also a champion of sustainability, viewing it not as a passing trend but as an absolute necessity in today’s fashion landscape. She advocates for buying less, re-wearing, and repurposing items to reduce fashion’s environmental impact, emphasising that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Reflecting on race-day fashion across continents, Byrne observes distinct differences between British and Australian racewear. “Australian fashion is definitely bolder and more playful,” she says, noting that the sunny weather in Australia plays a huge role in encouraging a more adventurous approach to race day style. The Melbourne Cup Carnival, particularly the Fashions on the Field competition, serves as a global stage for style innovation and inclusivity, with participants from around the world showcasing their unique interpretations of racewear.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to showcase their style and even win a trip to Australia,” Cumani adds, highlighting the global reach and appeal of the competition.