Timeless style shines at Howden Derby Day

Creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality took centre stage in hotly contested finals as the nation’s most stylish racegoers competed for top honours. Six lucky finalists were chosen to progress to the next round on Crown Oaks Day.

Best Dressed

Among the standout winners of the Best Dressed category was Holly Keenan from Western Australia, who had a meticulously hand-crafted design inspired by art deco tiles. Made from a mesh base and laser-cut Perspex, the look featured a sculptural collar and a nod to 1930s glamour.

“It’s a great creative outlet outside my work in mining engineering design,” Holly said. “I love researching fashion and building sustainable pieces I can wear again.”

Fellow Best Dressed finalist Erin Smith impressed the judges in an elegant ensemble featuring an Eliya The Label dress paired with a statement hat that echoed the graphics within the dress pattern. “I had the dress first, and then the hat followed from the design,” Erin said. “It all just came together beautifully.”

Sydney’s Viera Macikova also turned heads in tailored white pants and a statement hat by a local milliner. With the pants already in her wardrobe, she asked designer Ruth Chase to create a matching top, reflecting her philosophy of reworking and reimagining wardrobe favourites “I love taking pieces I already own and making them new again,” she said. And I wanted something elegant but comfortable.”

Best Suited

Best Suited winners Peta Bell, Giaan Keir and Courtney Moore impressed the judges on Howden Derby Day, each earning a coveted place in the Crown Oaks Day Grand Final. Their distinct interpretations of tailoring and individuality showcased the versatility and creativity at the heart of contemporary racewear.

Peta Bell from Geelong turned heads in a custom-made suit paired with Lana Wilkinson heels, a Stephanie Spencer bow and vintage accessories. “I wore a similar look last year and wanted something slick, sophisticated and a little masculine,” she said. “The cropped suit felt really on-trend.”

Fellow Geelong local Courtney Moore channelled 1960s flair in a custom ensemble by Lay Brook, featuring thoughtful design details that made it elegant and practical for the mum with a young baby. “It’s breastfeeding-friendly,” she said. “I love being able to look stylish while keeping it functional.”

Meanwhile, Giaan Keir drew inspiration from Charlie Chaplin and contemporary menswear silhouettes, blending classic lines with modern polish. Her confident, creative approach embodied the evolution of Best Suited – a category that continues to redefine what racewear style can be.

All of these finlaists are now in the running to win the incredible grand prize on Crown Oaks Day for each category, which includes a $17,500 ABC Bullion 100g gold bar*; a $10,000 Visa gift card; a $7,000 Crown gift card including luxury hotel accommodation, indulgent spa treatment and iconic restaurants; a TCL TV package including a 75” Premium UHD QD-mini LED Google TV with Bang & Olufsen sound and a 40” Full HD Android QLED TV valued at $4,498; a dining package for four people in the Terrace restaurant during the 2026 Autumn Carnival at Flemington Racecourse valued at $2,000; a year’s supply of Schweppes valued at $500; and a $500 voucher.

*Value correct at the time of publishing

Emerging Designer Award presented by Vogue

An elite panel, including fashion designer Jason Grech, Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador Michelle Payne OAM, and Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith, judged the creative and design-led Emerging Designer Award presented by Vogue.

This year’s winner was Caroline Caroline, a 20-year-old Melbourne-based creative originally from Indonesia, whose design captivated the judges with its originality and emotional depth.

Inspired by the architecture of dollhouses and her father’s family wooden home in Borneo, Caroline’s look combined delicacy and structure – layers of organic chiffon contrasted by an eye-catching bow crafted from amoora wood. “My dad used to build his furniture out of wood because his family couldn’t afford to buy it,” she explained. “That’s where the idea came from – it’s very personal.”

Having recently completed her studies in fashion design, Caroline spent three to four months bringing her vision to life. “I can’t comprehend it,” she said after her win. “I didn’t expect anything. I just wanted to create something I love.”

At just 20 years old, Caroline’s win marks the start of a promising career built on creativity, skill and genuine storytelling through design.

Caroline wins a $20,000 Visa gift card; a full page in the February 2026 Vogue magazine valued at $17,800; a $4,000 Crown gift card including luxury hotel accommodation, indulgent spa treatment and iconic restaurants; VRC media coverage in external publications valued at $2,850; a dining package for four people in the Terrace restaurant during the 2026 Autumn Carnival at Flemington Racecourse valued at $2,000; a year’s supply of Schweppes valued at $500; and a $500 voucher.