Celebrity arrivals have begun to trickle in with their monochrome looks for Derby Day held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on Saturday.
Francesca Cumani kicked things off with a halter neck gown which dropped into a subtle A-line skirt.
The Nine horse racing presenter, 42, paired the frock with a pair of staple black pumps and a matching fascinator.
Emma Scodellaro followed suit, putting on a theatrical display with an oversized, flowing white poncho top and loose white slacks.
The Fashions on the Field judge, 47, rocked a black trim to her ensemble, hiding her eyes behind large sunglasses and topping the look off with a wide-brimmed hat.
Viera Macikova was the picture of elegance in a white peplum top with a black V-neck.
Francesca Cumani, 42, kicked things off for Derby Day with a halter neck gown which dropped into a subtle A-line skirt
The race day veteran, 49, opted for white wide-legged slacks with a large black floral print to match her wide-brimmed hat and designer handbag.
Derby Day kicks off a massive week of Melbourne Cup Carnival fun at Flemington Racecourse each year.
It follows the tradition of English racetrack Royal Ascot, where top hats and tails, and black and white attire are required.
The monochrome dress code really kicked off in 1960 when Melbourne Cup attendees were offered a wardrobe prize for best dressed.
The catch was that participants had to wear black and white to celebrate the Black & White whiskey manufactured by collaborator James Buchanan and Co.
While Derby Day may be the strictest of all dress codes, it’s far from the only event during the spring racing carnival with a theme.
The Melbourne Cup, known as the race that stops the nation, is the centrepiece of the annual spring carnival and is all about bright colours and patterns.
This is where Fashions on the Field comes into play.
Emma Scodellaro, 47, followed suit, putting on a theatrical display with an oversized, flowing white poncho top and loose white slacks
Viera Macikova, 49, was the picture of elegance in a white peplum top with a black V-neck
First established in 1960, Fashions on the Field rewards the best-dressed punter with a prize, prompting racegoers to wear their boldest, most fabulous outfits.
Meanwhile, Oaks Day, also known as Ladies’ Day, encourages women to wear ‘all things feminine’.
The final day of the week, Stakes Day, is far more relaxed, and while some rules are in place, it’s nothing compared with the kick-off event of the season.
More to come.
