Daring dresses and lovely lace: The Melbourne Cup fashion winners

November 3, 2026 — 3:34pmIn a sea of pink and red, the best-dressed racegoers at the Melbourne Cup were set apart by looks that epitomised easy elegance.Brahman Perera in Romance Was Born and Stephanie SpencerBrahman Perera inside the Landmark by Lexus pavilion at the Melbourne Cup. Eddie JimThe design of the Landmark by Lexus pavilion was apparently inspired by the concept of “A New Dawn”, and it was a fitting backdrop for interior designer Brahman Perera.In a stunning Romance was Born lace dress, Perera embodied the optimism and joy of a new dawn.Perera’s clutch features artwork by Bruce Summers. Eddie JimFeaturing delicate sequined embellishments, the silhouette was reminiscent of 1920s-era fashion and the look was completed with a red flower brooch and soft blue hat by Stephanie Spencer.“Generally, I’ll be thinking about it at night right before I go to bed, and then somehow in the morning it all just comes together,” Perera says of his instinctive style approach.Kate Waterhouse in Steven KhalilKate Waterhouse at the Landmark by Lexus pavilion. Eddie JimInspired by Schiaparelli by Daniel Rosebery, Kate Waterhouse worked with local bridal expert Steven Khalil to design her custom Cup Day look.“It was a completely different colour on the runway,” Waterhouse says. “I saw it and thought, ‘Oh, that’s so elegant.’ Then I worked with Steven, changed the design and came up with this gorgeous colour and found the accessories to match.”Waterhouse’s hat was also by Khalil.Eddie JimWaterhouse contrasted the deep plum dress and co-ordinating hat (also designed by Khalil) with vintage cream leather opera gloves to stylish effect, completing the sophisticated look with Jimmy Choo heels.Rozalia Russian in Alin Le’ Kal and Melissa JacksonRozalia Russian at the Landmark by Lexus pavilion. Eddie JimSome looks are loud in colour or silhouette, while others let the details do the talking.Rozalia Russian’s custom Alin Le’ Kal falls into the latter category, with her blush corseted top and skirt set featuring exquisite hand beading.Hand beading is a feature of Rozalia Russian’s outfit choice.Eddie Jim“Sometimes beading scares people for daytime, but I’ve always loved the ethereal vibe of an Ellie Saab gown,” Russian says of the look, which came together in just seven days.Her top and skirt paired with a co-ordinating soft pink Melissa Jackson hat, Paris Texas heels and vintage Christian Dior pearls, Russian is a vision of glamour.Bambi Northwood-Blythe in Alex Perry and Ford MillineryBambi Northwood-Blythe on Tuesday.Eddie Jim“I had had a quick preview of the room, so I went with the ‘New Dawn’ colour,” model Bambi Northwood-Blythe says of her sumptuous gold Alex Perry dress while standing next to the matching Landmark by Lexus pavilion drapes.The model kept her accessories uncomplicated, opting for Ero and Alinka jewels with a white Ford Millinery mesh bow to complete the look. Photo: Eddie Jim“It’s all about simplicity but elegance.”Lana Wilkinson in Cappellazzo Couture and Melissa JacksonWhen in doubt, look to a woman named Joan.“I’m a diehard Joan Collins and Dynasty fan. I love the fashion and that iconic ‘own your shit’ energy,” stylist and shoe designer Lana Wilkinson says inside the G.H. Mumm pavilion.Lana Wilkinson inside the G.H.Mumm pavilion. Eddie JimFor Wilkinson’s Cup Day look, the approach translated into an architectural leopard print dress by Cappellazzo Couture, styled with vintage Saint Laurent jewellery, gold heels from her namesake shoe label and Melissa Jackson millinery.Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.From our partners