The Melbourne Cup is one of those few occasions where you get to really dress up, embrace fabulous headwear and flex your fashion muscle. From cutting edge to classic, Melbourne Cup hats have seemingly become the hallmark of Spring Racing glamour. I guess it’s true what they say; nothing makes a fashion statement like a killer hat!
Flemington’s love affair with hats began in the early 1900’s where horse racing was considered an event for society’s elite. At the time, hats were fading out of mainstream fashion. High-profile spectators took this opportunity to showcase their wealth and status through designer fashion, making hats all the more iconic and exclusive.
In 1962, the Victoria Racing Club introduced the Fashions on the Field competition to entice more women to the races and increase attendance. Women race-goers became widely admired for their trackside elegance and ladylike fashion looks. The winner of the inaugural Fashions on the Field was eighteen year-old Margaret Wood who borrowed a hat and money for an outfit so she could compete. She wore a frothy pink tulle hat by LaRaene and a white linen coat.
Today, with the influence of pop culture and more affordable designer brands, race-wear hats have been taken to a while new level of style. Designers have been getting more and more creative with different sculptured fascinators and broad-brimmed hats to cater for the modern race-day fashionista. Here are some of the most outrageous, exquisite and breath-taking headpieces from the 2013 Melbourne Cup.
Jennifer Hawkins
Chloe Moo
Coco Rocha
Kate Upton
Parish & Co 