The BEST dressed celebrities on the 2024 Melbourne Cup – as Australia’s A-list storms the Birdcage in sultry satins, attractive strapless numbers and A LOT of purple

The who’s who of the Australian fashion scene stormed the famed Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday where they competed in the real stakes – the sartorial kind – in the glamorous Birdcage. 

And while many shocked with bold mini dresses, bizarre cuts and thigh-high splits, Nicky Hilton, Elizabeth Hurley, and Laura Dundovic were among those turning heads for all the right reasons.

Australians tuned in to the ‘race that stops the nation’ at 3pm – but most were far more interested in the show taking place trackside. 

Celebrities, designers, It girls, models, and WAGs outdid themselves in bold bright colours, ruffled embellishments, and fitted gowns as they strutted through Flemington in their very best racing garb.

Event ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus was hard to miss as she arrived in a gorgeous ruby ensemble paired with a silver clutch.

The off-shoulder three-dimensional floral detailing on the mini dress is reminiscent of the Met Gala and spring-summer ’24 Loewe, Giambattista Valli, and Chanel haute couture shows earlier in the year.

In a similar fashion, model and journalist Kate Waterhouse – daughter of horse trainer Gai Waterhouse and bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse – turned heads in a fitted crimson Versace dress.

Waterhouse accessorised her outfit with Bvlgari jewellery, Louboutin red-bottoms, and an airy scarlet head scarf.

Red was all the rage on the carpet, with many more stars choosing crimson for their eye-popping looks.

Former Love Island Australia star Tayla Broad paired a long strapless dress with black gloves, pointed-toe shoes, and minimal makeup.

Olympic canoeist Jessica Fox looked like an absolute knockout as she stepped into the marquee in a cute monochrome outfit with a mini angular shoulder bag and thick hoop earrings.

Model Hannah Dal Sasso, former girlfriend of Aussie tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis, was bang on theme with a bright red corset dress and satin floral embellishments. Her hat saw her skyrocket to the very top of the best-dressed list.

Dal Sasso also sported a sparkly fascinator pearl-drop earrings.

But the star of the day, Elizabeth Hurley, bucked the red theme as she stepped out in a sunny yellow ensemble.

Despite famously shunning conventional workouts in favour of gardening, light walks, and Pilates, the star wowed with her impeccably taut physique and toned arms. 

The famed English model, 59,  put on an elegant display in a figure-hugging off-the-shoulder midi dress with a statement ruffled floral neckline.

She fixed a huge yellow floral fascinator into her brunette tresses and shielded her eyes with a pair of round shades.

American socialite and designer Nicky Hilton, sister of Paris Hilton, also stunned in a pastel yellow piece by Rebecca Vallance.

The suit-like top was adorned with four buttons, fake pockets, and a fabric belt.

Its pleated skirt flowed out underneath and was beautifully complemented by the diamond necklace across Hilton’s neck and eye-catching metallic heels.

TV presenter Laura Dundovic drew attention for all the right reasons in an eye-catching white dress by Toni Maticevski and sparkling silver Bvlgari bag.

The Miss Universe alumni donned bright gold Chanel earrings, Jimmy Choo heels, and a bold snowy headband that flowed down the back of her dress.

Pinks and purples were also a popular pick for race day. 

Chelsea Becirevic was eye-catching in a pastel pink satin corset dress with a unique bow trailing behind her.

Dubbed Australia’s ‘hottest WAG’, Becirevic chose a hot pink fedora and a white and gold Chanel bag to complete her look.

Fashion influencer and former model Rozalia Russian stunned in a delicately draped full-length gown with a plunging asymmetric neckline.

Her strappy Yves Saint Laurent heels perfectly matched her pastel dress and fascinator, tying the monochrome look together.

Sylvia Jeffreys, host of the Today Show, was pretty in pink wearing a tea-length Rebecca Vallance dress that cinched her waist with a fabric belt.

She paired her outfit with a Nerida Winter headpiece, white strappy shoes, and a mini leather bag.

Television presenter and radio host Jacqueline Felgate sported an ankle-length patterned mauve dress with a beret and mesh net.

She wore a pair of pink Valentino one stud pumps and a Gucci super mini Dionysus bag with her blush outfit.