The Melbourne Cup...

The Melbourne Cup... yes it really is a horse race that stops a nation [Australia!]. It's a race that is older than the formed states of Australia as we know them, it's a race that's older than our nation - starting before Federation, and for many it's a race that changes lives!

Today is The Melbourne Cup, held at Flemington Race Course, Flemington Melbourne Victoria...

It's a day where nearly every Australian tries to ensure a 'good' lunch either at work or away from it, and a few bets & bubbles to boot! It's also today that the fashions on the field are at some of their best...it was back in the early 1960's [1962] that the inaugural 'Fashions on the Field' began to lure more women to the race track! Well it worked and aside from those hard working jockeys and fast running beautiful horses - everyone also looks at the fillies - the ladies - in their finery!

Now I must get ready for The Cup lunch!

Jennifer Hawkins - in Nicola Finetti for Myer
2008 Melbourne Cup.Vogue

images via Variety S.A, Loreal Fashion Festival - The VRC, & Vogue Australia