Pip Edwards has offered fans an early look at her Melbourne Cup outfit before joining the fashionable crowd at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday.
The Sydney socialite shared a preview on Instagram that focused on her dramatic headpiece: an enormous turquoise hat with a bold silhouette recalling Boy George’s signature style.
Created by milliner Embellish Atelier, the statement hat was finished with a line of oversized crystals encircling its base.
In a string of glamorous, pouty selfies, Pip posed in a black top while showing off the design before changing into her full race-day ensemble.
Kate Waterhouse, meanwhile, made her Flemington entrance in a plunging maroon gown by Steven Khalil, paired with a coordinating hatinator.
She added playful white gloves and maroon stilettos to complete the polished Melbourne Cup look.
Pip Edwards has given a first look at her Melbourne Cup outfit before mingling with Melbourne’s social set at Flemington
The Sydney socialite posted a preview on Tuesday morning, highlighting her dramatic oversized turquoise headpiece
Pip’s striking hat channelled the unmistakable fashion spirit of Boy George
Married At First Sight personality Jules Robinson also embraced the occasion, revealing a vivid pink-and-purple bodycon gown before heading to the racecourse.
Her outfit was styled with a pink hatinator, oversized sunglasses, gold earrings and a tangerine handbag.
Former MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong turned heads in a peach neoprene Maticevski gown featuring a daring side cut-out.
A bold red lip brought extra colour to the look, while a sculptural white bow replaced the traditional race-day fascinator.
The $10.2 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, Australia’s iconic showcase of racing, fashion and celebrity, will be contested for the 166th time today as the nation turns its attention to Flemington Racecourse.
Staged annually since 1861, the event remains famously known as the race that stops a nation, drawing immense interest both on the track and across the Melbourne Cup social scene.
Anticipation will build ahead of the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy presentation with a special appearance from international music star Robbie Williams.
Billed as the largest pre-Cup performance ever held at Flemington, the singer will perform several of his best-known songs alongside a full troupe of backup dancers, adding even more energy to the race-day celebrations.
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Pip shared a series of playful selfies while modelling the hat, wearing a black top before changing into her race-day gown
She also offered a glimpse of her turquoise J’Aton Couture gown, styled with matching Valentino heels
Kate Waterhouse arrived at Flemington in a plunging maroon Steven Khalil gown and coordinating hatinator
The influencer completed her look with a pair of quirky white gloves and maroon stilettos
Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson also dressed to impress, showing off her bright pink-and-purple bodycon gown on Instagram ahead of arriving at Flemington
Former Masterchef Australia judge Melissa Leong meanwhile showcased her eye-popping sideboob in a peach neoprene gown by Maticevski
She gave her look an extra oomph with a pop of red lipstick, while swapping a traditional fascinator for a white bow hairpiece
The famous Birdcage will play host to well-known faces including Lexus ambassadors and racing royalty Emma Freedman and Kate Waterhouse at Lexus, and Olympians Peter Bol, Harry Garside and Cooper Woods at Crown.
Premiership players Hugh McCluggage and Connor McKenna will celebrate at TAB, media personality Scott Cam and Olympian Ariarne Titmus at Nine, and former Carlton star Marc Murphy and wife Jessie at G.H. Mumm.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions On The Field competition, presented by Lexus, returns to Flemington’s famous front lawn with a striking new pavilion, with registrations for the Best Dressed and Best Suited categories open to all racegoers.
Champion trainer Ciaron Maher will saddle a record seven runners, including race favourite Point of Law, who secured his place in the field with victory in the Geelong Cup.
Another Maher-trained runner, Shockletz, secured her place in the field with victory in the Lexus Archer Stakes.
Ireland continues to be a major force in the race, with dual Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Joseph O’Brien returning with one of the strongest international contenders, last year’s runner-up Goodie Two Shoes.
Jockey James McDonald will ride Trustyourinstinct for the Irish trainer and will be hoping to continue his hot form from Howden Victoria Derby Day, where he rode a remarkable four winners, including the Group 1 Howden Victoria Derby and Group 1 TAB Empire Rose.
McDonald tasted success in the Lexus Melbourne Cup in 2021 aboard the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant.
The 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup hero, Knight’s Choice, returns to Flemington for trainers Sheila Laxon and John Symonds, with Robbie Dolan in the saddle, aiming to join an exclusive group of horses to win multiple Lexus Melbourne Cups.