The History of Melbourne Cup and Fashion
It is Australia's most famous Tuesday, the "race that stops a nation". Mark Twain called it Australia's true folk festival and said that the magnificence of its appeal on an entire country astonished him. It is also one of the world's most challenging horse races, and certainly the richest in prize money.
The Melbourne Cup. Every year, millions of people across Australia stop what they are doing at 3pm on the first Tuesday of November to watch or listen to the race. Parliament suspends its proceedings, hundreds of thousands flock to the racing grounds in their best and most fashionable outfits, and festive celebrations take place.
Australia is the only country in the world which has declared an annual state public holiday for a horse race. As one of the most prestigious two-mile horse races in the world, the annual Melbourne Cup is a sporting and fashion affair that has become a national icon and a major Victorian tourist attraction.
The first Melbourne Cup race was held in 1861, where seventeen horses contested for a gold watch and 170pounds in cash. The winner was a horse from New South Wales named Archer, who was acquired and trained by Etienne L. de Mestre. Archer also won the second Cup race, and de Mestre would later train a further three Cup winners. Sixteen years later, Australia officially made the first Tuesday in November a public holiday â€" Melbourne Cup Day.
The Melbourne Cup race culture has traditionally been one of high fashion, with racegoers attending in their best outfits. From celebrities to the ordinary girl next door, attendees ensure they are dressed to stun. Women are usually decked out in fashionable hats or fascinators, and designer labels are prevalent. "Fashions on the Field" is a major highlight of the entire event, and prizes are given to the best-dressed male and female.
d'Italia Designer Fabric has been active in the Melbourne Cup fashion arena for the past several years. The store's imported fabric has been highly sought-after by Melbourne Cup racegoers, for its high quality and exclusivity. The store also offers referral services to award-winning tailors and seamstresses.
