The Melbourne Cup is the most celebrated and prestigious race in Australia, so it is no surprise the crowds that flock to Flemington on the first Tuesday of November are always dressed to impress, with many ladies sporting intricate Melbourne Cup fascinators.
The stadium is filled with a sea of colourful and creative fashion statements and the defining piece for many of the women’s outfits are their fabulous fascinators. On the tops of all the ladies’ heads are an amazing array of splendid Melbourne Cup hats and fascinators adorned with feathers, flowers, beads and lace that draw as much attention as the actual races.
Tips for Wearing Melbourne Cup Fascinators
We have all seen the photos or been there in person to witness some of the truly unforgettable and regrettable Melbourne Cup fascinator fiascos! To avoid a fashion fascinator disaster there are a few essential tips all race goers must consider.
When attending the races, whether it is the esteemed Melbourne Cup or any other of the premier race days held in Australia, the aim is to look glamorous. The fast-paced races, electrifying atmosphere and sleekness of the horses all combine into one truly enchanting day and so one must match their surroundings and emit the same sense of grace and style as the champion race horses that gallop down the track.
Melbourne Cup fascinators are a perfect way to add interest and elegance to your race outfit, to compliment your hairstyle, make a statement and really get involved in the day. Unique and original designs are always the favourites amongst the fashion critics, and there is nothing worse than a lady bearing an ill-made or uninspiring fascinator. The benefit of a beautiful fascinator over the traditional hat is that they allow you to still sport a stunning hairstyle as well. With an elegant feathered fascinator sitting to the side of your head there is still room to have a sea of gorgeous curls cascading down.
The placement of the fascinator is almost as important as its design. Fascinators can be worn on the top, side, or front of the head depending on your hairstyle and accompanying jewellery. Each positioning will create a fresh and different look, highlighting different details of the piece; so an array of effects and dimensions are possible with the one fascinator! Visit our partners at Hair Salons to find a local salon and get prepared for your Cup day.
Milliners & Designers of Melbourne Cup Fascinators
Many leading milliners have pre-made Melbourne Cup fascinators designed and ready to go for the races, however finding a perfect match to your outfit can be a tricky and expensive ordeal. This is why many ladies are now choosing to customise their headpieces.
An elite range of millinery designers are available if money is no object, and if there is one race day of the year to indulge it is the Melbourne Cup. So if you want to spoil yourself, or don’t trust your millinery skills, try one of the excellent milliners in the Melbourne area who are always reared up and ready to go for the Cup carnival including City Hatters, Julie Anne Lucas Millinery, Serena Lindeman Millinery and Zuzana Vranovska.
Melbourne Cup Fascinator Designs
Fashion tastes have always been a matter of opinion, but everyone appreciates and recognises class. Fascinators come in all manner of styles, shapes and designs from abstract wearable art, to sleek and sophisticated pieces. The possibility of race day fascinators are as endless as your imagination, from the classic to the quirky there is a fascinator to suit every spectator and outfit.
Larger, more extravagant or flamboyant fascinators often enhance simple, chic attire. A more refined and minimally adorned fascinator will better suit outfits that are already busy. Less can be more when it comes to race day fashion and fascinators, however if you really want to make a statement and be bold with your fascinator, Melbourne Cup is definitely the day of the year to do it!
For the greatest customisation and uniqueness, some ladies have even started making their own fascinators from scratch. There is a plethora of colourful and unique accessories now available that make designing and creating your own perfectly personal Melbourne Cup fascinators a breeze, so you can step out onto the field in a style all your own. However, if you do choose to create your own fascinator, remember to keep the piece modern.
So whether you are going for a certain subtly with your race attire, or a more lavish and creative effect is what you are after, Melbourne Cup fascinators are an essential race day accessory.
