Forget the race. Anyone worth their salt in the style stakes knows that the fiercest competition of Derby Day happens far from the racetrack.
The prestigious Fashions on the Field event sees countless fashionable hopefuls flock to the The Park on Derby Day, in the hope of taking out the eventual national prize next week at Crown Oaks Day.
This year, the winner of the first Victorian round was Melbourne-based woman, Montelle Mondello, who blew the judges away on the day with her chic monochrome get-up and asymmetric skirt.
The prestigious Fashions on the Field event sees countless fashionable hopefuls flock to the The Park on Derby Day, in the hope of taking out the national prize at Crown Oaks Day; this year the Victorian winner was Montelle Modello (pictured)
The Melbourne-based woman took out the prize and blew the judges away in her monochrome outfit (pictured centre with second place winner, Tanya Lazarou – left – and Lisa March, who took home third place – right)
‘I haven’t been to the races since I was 15 and have never entered before so I didn’t know what to expect,’ Montelle said, following her win; ‘It was a very last minute look and I bought it all online, so I was panicking if it would all arrive in time!’
‘I haven’t been to the races since I was 15 and have never entered before so I didn’t know what to expect,’ Montelle said, following her win.
‘It was a very last minute look and I bought it all online, so I was panicking if it would all arrive in time!’.
Ms Mondello, 26, will now return on Crown Oaks Day as one of three contenders vying for the chance to compete in the coveted national final.
Ms Mondello, 26, will now return on Crown Oaks Day as one of three contenders vying for the chance to compete in the coveted national final (pictured: three women from Fashions on the Field at Derby Day)
Among the trends on show in this first round of Myer’s Fashions on the Field was a clear nod to elegance and 50s film stars – women paired full skirts with chic headpieces and block colour (pictured)
Among the trends on show in this first round of Myer’s Fashions on the Field was a clear nod to elegance and 50s film stars.
Women paired full skirts with chic headpieces, blouses and block colour. They also included lacy details around necklines.
A number of outfits featured off-the-shoulder styles, bell sleeves and prom-style details.
A number of outfits featured off-the-shoulder styles, bell sleeves and prom-style details (pictured)
While crowns and fascinators may have reigned supreme in recent years, this year’s Fashion on the Field at Derby Day marked a return to hats – boater styles were the order of the day (pictured)
While crowns and fascinators may have reigned supreme in recent years, this year’s Fashion on the Field at Derby Day marked a return to hats.
Boater styles were the order of the day, and were rocked by several of the women involved.
The traditional hat style is one of the biggest-tipped trends for racing season this year, thanks to their relaxed and effortlessly cool feel.
First staged in 1962 in a bid to attract more women to the races, with the object of ‘finding the smartest-dressed women at the Carnival within economic restraints’, Fashions on the Field is now a Spring Racing institution
First staged in 1962 in a bid to attract more women to the races, with the object of ‘finding the smartest-dressed women at the Carnival within economic restraints’, Fashions on the Field is now a Spring Racing institution.
As well as establishing its place as Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event, it attracts hundreds seeking to win the national final – held on Crown Oaks Day on November 9.
For more information about Fashion on the Fields, please click here.