60th Anniversary of Myer Fashions on the Field at Flemington celebrates inclusivity.

The 60th anniversary of Myer Fashions on the Field gets a modern makeover in 2022, with the prestigious competition changing it up all in the name of being more inclusive at Flemington. 

The Victoria Racing Club introduces new competition categories as part of the overhaul, designed to inspire a younger audience to come trackside for fashion’s biggest thrill.   

The incoming Best Dressed and Best Suited Awards are designed to make all competition entrants feel welcome - to don their best look and embrace sartorial fervour in all its colour at Flemington.  

A new Alpha-Edit category for teens [aged 14-18] gives binary and non-binary teenagers the chance to enter on VRC Champions Stakes Day. The Family Competition category returns with a minimum of two family members required for entry. Patrons can enter via track registrations with heats and finals held on VRC Champion Stakes Day. 

“In celebration of Myer Fashions on the Field’s 60th anniversary and its return to Flemington, we are ensuring that our fashion story drives equality, inclusion and individuality as we set course for the next 60 years,” says VRC Chairman Neil Wilson.  

The prestigious competition is certainly moving with the times, honouring its past while saluting a new era and what it means to be a modern race goer in 2022.  

“We proudly embrace the notion that fashion, and style are an expression of individual creativity and believe this should be reflected in the international event,” Wilson says.  

Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador Christian Wilkins welcomes the new era of Myer Fashions on the Field. 

“Any fashion insider will tell you that the future of fashion is fluidity,” says Christian Wilkins.  

“It’s so exciting to see Myer Fashions of the Field leading that trend here in Australia, plus generally creating an accepting, non-judgmental space for all people to express themselves is amazing,” Wilkins says.  

Melbourne Cup Carnival Ambassador Aaron Mitchell praises the historic moment. 

“The world around us has been blurring the lines of gender for decades,” says Aaron Mitchell.  

“I couldn't be prouder to be working with Myer Fashions on the Field this year–using their platform to push boundaries and traditions to make this significant competition inclusive for everyone,” he says. 

The digital entry to the competition is back this year, and opens from September 1.  The digital aspect allows everyone a chance to take part in the competition no matter where they are based in Australia – all you need to do is upload three photos of your most eye-catching race wear looks. 

For those attending the track, the competition is available to enter via a dedicated registration site on the day. 

New Zealand residents can now also enter FOTF for the first time. A finalist in both the major Best Dressed and Best Suited categories will be selected and have the chance to represent New Zealand in the Myer Fashions on the Field National Final.  

“We are pleased to be welcoming crowds back to the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2022 to enjoy the fashion spectacle that Myer Fashions on the Field continues to deliver, while maintaining the incredibly popular digital component of the competition, broadening reach and inclusion,” Wilson says. 

There’ll be plenty of style spotters roaming Flemington on each of the key spring carnival race day to encourage you to enter Best Dressed or Best Suited racewear categories.   

These entrants will go straight into the national final alongside a number of Australian states and territories and New Zealand finalists with the overall winners announced live in the afternoon of Kennedy Oaks Day, Thursday 3 November.  

Winners and finalists of Myer Fashions on the Field share a suite of prizes from Myer, Kennedy Watches & Jewellery, TCL and Sofitel Melbourne On Collins while winners of Best Dressed and Best Suited categories each receive a brand-new Lexus UX200 2WD Luxury vehicle.  

The prestigious Emerging Designer and Millinery Award returns to Flemington with the competition also open to enter on Thursday 1 September - with national winners announced on track during Cup Week.