Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field, presented by Lexus, returns this Spring with Australia’s richest fashion competition

This year, the Fashions on the Field Pavilion will again take pride of place on Flemington’s famous Front Lawn, alongside the iconic Chin Chin short-stay dining pop-up, creating a vibrant hub for the elegance, style and glamour that define racewear fashion. Enhancing the precinct further, a brand-new single‑storey structure will deliver a bespoke, purpose‑built setting for the competition, with the VRC and Harry the Hirer Productions collaborating to craft an elevated, open-air environment tailored specifically for this year’s showcase.

The four flagship categories, Best Dressed, Best Suited, Emerging Designer and the Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award return in 2026.

Celebrating the artistry, innovation and craftsmanship of racewear, the coveted Best Dressed and Best Suited categories each offer prize packages valued at more than $95,000. Prize highlights include a 50g ABC Bullion Gold Bar valued at $23,000, a $10,000 Flight Centre travel voucher, and an exclusive hospitality experience for two within the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot 2027.

Racegoers attending Flemington across the first three days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival can enter the Best Dressed and Best Suited competitions via the dedicated registration site located next to the fashions pavilion. 

Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus will also return to Flemington’s premier spring race day, TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, on Saturday 3 October. In an exciting new addition for 2026, the winners of the Best Dressed and Best Suited categories on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day will receive direct entry into the Crown Oaks Day Grand Final, providing a coveted fast track to one of Australian racing’s most prestigious fashion stages.

The design and creativity-focused categories provide an exceptional platform for both emerging and established talent, with prize packages that reflect their significance to the VRC and the broader fashion industry.

The winner of the prestigious Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award will receive a prize package valued at more than $33,000, including a remarkable new international opportunity. As part of the prize, the winner will be invited to design a bespoke piece for the renowned 2027 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective campaign and its London Fashion Week launch. 

In a career-defining achievement, the winning design will join the permanent collection at Ascot Racecourse, becoming part of one of the world's most respected and celebrated millinery showcases.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2026, the Emerging Designer Award, presented in partnership with Vogue Australia, continues to champion the next generation of fashion talent, providing a prestigious platform for designers to showcase creativity, design innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability.  Over the past two decades, the award has established itself as a powerful launchpad for emerging creatives and industry innovators. Reflecting its significance, the winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $48,500, including a $12,000 VISA Gift Card, along with invaluable exposure to industry leaders and fashion audiences alike. 

Entries for the design and creative led categories open on Tuesday 1 September with digital entries closing at 11.59pm on Friday 2 October.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus will once again showcase the creativity, style and spirit that make the competition an iconic part of Cup Week, with this year’s program celebrating both tradition and innovation on racing’s biggest stage.

“Fashions on the Field has evolved into a globally recognised style event, and this year’s program reinforces its standing as one of the world’s richest and most influential fashion competitions,” Rogers said. 

“A new competition category will also debut on TAB Champions Stakes Day with details to be announced soon.”

“Every year, Fashions on the Field brings incredible energy to Flemington, and 2026 will be our largest edition yet with the addition of an incredible new, open-air structure. From racewear devotees and talented milliners to emerging designers, the competition continues to inspire bold ideas, exceptional craftsmanship and unforgettable style moments.”

“We’re proud to offer opportunities that extend beyond Cup Week, including international experiences and industry exposure that can genuinely transform careers. From Lexus Australia to Royal Ascot and Vogue Australia, our partnerships reflect the ambition of the competition and the calibre of the racegoers and creatives it attracts. We look forward to celebrating the innovation, artistry and individuality that make racewear such a defining part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.”

For more information on Melbourne Cup Carnival Fashions on the Field presented by Lexus, please visit Fashions on the Field.