Hats Off to Victoria Derby Day

People the world over are familiar with America's "Kentucky Derby." Of similar stature is the Victoria Derby, an Australian Thoroughbred horse race originating over 150 years ago in Melbourne, in the southern state of Victoria, Australia. What is now known as "the race that stops a nation"™ grew from the most humble of beginnings in 1861 to attain the iconic status it now enjoys. In the 1860s, there was little in the way of actual infrastructure, stands, rail and grounds trappings that typically accompany nationally well-known derbies. In spite of the race's modest inception, many flocked to the race, in part because of the gold rush in the latter part of the 19th century in Victoria; dreamers and hopefuls had flocked to the region to change their fortune. Those who became wealthy joined the area's elite socialites, politicians and Australia's other rich and famous and attended the Cup as the social event of the year. Many came compelled by a love of horses and speed, and many others came-again, not unlike the America Kentucky Derby-to the Melbourne Cup-which was now a magnet for fashion.

The Race Grows in Size and Notoriety

The race grew in recognition and in length, and the grounds and satellite activities surrounding it likewise grew and solidified, including the milestone Melbourne Cup Carnival, which remains a panoply of racing, fashion and affairs.

Each year at the Flemington Race track, as the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival gets going, one highlight is the Victoria Derby Day. Victoria Derby Day typically takes place in late October or early November. Hand in glove with racing, the accompanying fashion-forward styles play out in visual drama with equally high stakes.

Fancy Hats and Fashion at the Victoria Derby

In the 1960s, The Victoria Racing Club's "Fashions on the Field" competition began, with goals to specifically "woo more woman to the races." The competition offered cash prices to those deemed the most "smartly dressed." The public responded, as well as the press, and the fashion allure (and competition) was extended to men as well.

One important element to fashion has always been the hats (similar to Kentucky Derby hats) that complete any haute couture ensemble. In 2006, the carnival acknowledged milliners as catalysts for the fashions appearing and instituted a new prize called the Millinery Award and Design Award. Separate showcases were created for the milliners and their models while regular women's racewear, as those fashions became known, remained open to everyone.

Traditionally the fashion trends and accessorizing hats have run to a clean black and white theme, and this color scheme remains current. However, some women choose to branch out and choose hats in bright colors and styles.