Australia’s biggest names dazzle at Derby Day in an unforgettable sea of black and white looks

The weather forecast may have been rain, but the fashion is hot, hot, hot!

Derby Day has officially kicked off in Melbourne, and a collection of Australia’s most talked-about stars have arrived in, well, outfits we just can’t stop talking about.

Peter Dugmore and Nadia Bartel attend the 2026 Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse. Getty Images

As always, the dress code is black and white. And this year is all about structure, fine tailoring and lace. Case in point: Nadia Bartel (who’s wearing J’Aton Couture), proving that showstopping fashion comes with a price!

Her Instagram followers were treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her look, which featured a white lace bodice cascading into a ruched skirt, styled with classic sheer white gloves and an oversized hat.

She said the corsetry was so tight that partner Peter Dugmore was roped into fastening her shoes. He cheekily warned her she “can’t go to the toilet all day!”

Pure glamour from Nadia Bartel in head-to-toe white. Getty Images

Equally committed to high-fashion theatrics was Pip Edwards, who took the trackside assignment literally by pairing a voluminous Mariam Seddiq ruffle gown with an equestrian helmet from Ford Millinery. (And would you take a look at those Jimmy Choo boots?!)

Hot to trot! Pip Edwards nails the brief in a Ford Millinery riding helmet and a voluminous ruffled Mariam Seddiq gown - paired with Jimmy Choo boots, of course! Getty Images

Big bows and bubbly! Carrie Bickmore cracks open a magnum of Mumm in a creamy gown, completed with bold gold earrings. Getty Images

She kept her hair simple and slick to let the bow do all the talking. Getty Images

All loved up trackside! Newlyweds Rebecca Harding and Andy Lee arrive at Flemington, with Rebecca in a tailored pinstripe dress, and Andy in a classic black suit. Getty Images

It’s all in the details for Bec Judd, who stepped out in a tailored black dress featuring criss-cross skirt accents that tie in beautifully with her pumps. Her bag reminds everyone where they are. Getty Images

High school sweethearts Arlette Amor and Nick Daicos still in uniform for the day: all black. Getty Images

It’s a mother daughter date for Stella and Lindy Klim. Polka dots are the moment for Stella. Getty Images

Tammy Hembrow channels pure romance in a strapless lace gown with exposed structural boning through the bodice. Love! Getty Images

Another view of the lacy look. Getty Images

Brooke Warne makes her arrival in a black and white Bianca and Bridgett dress with sheer ruching, alongside suited-up Alex Heath. Getty Images

Sam Armytage opts for classic texture, styling a sleeveless tweed dress with gloves and gold bauble earrings. Getty Images

Chelsea Becirevic makes a subtle statement in delicate lace with sheer gloves and a chic head wrap. Getty Images

She’s here! Annalise Dalins, Australia’s red carpet darling, has arrived in an Alin Le’ Kal structured white look with a corseted waist and her best accessory: that megawatt smile. Getty Images

Picture perfect! Josh Daicos has joined fiancée Annalise in a dapper salt-and-pepper suit. Getty Images

The moment we’ve all been waiting for: OG supermodel Helena Christensen arrives side-by-side with Aussie fashion royalty Rebecca Vallance. Getty Images

White up top, black down the bottom was the theme for Zach and Alexandra Merrett. Getty Images

Understated elegance for Anna Robards, who’s wearing a draped dress from Ackler’s Resort 2027 collection, finished with minimalist millinery by Ezara J. Getty Images

Chic and classic in an off-the-shoulder structured dress, Demi Brereton looks nothing short of effortless. Getty Images

We can’t get over this sculptural criss-cross black fascinator! Getty Images

Make way for Olympia Vallance! Nailing monochrome drama, she teams a cropped peplum off-white bodice with a textured skirt and a black fascinator. Getty Images

Who said headwear was just for the ladies? Stylist Donny Galella is here in a sharp grey suit with silver piping - though you won’t be needing those sunnies in Melbourne today, Donny! Getty Images

Stylist Lana Wilkinson turns heads in a Toni Maticevski top and fringed skirt. Simple details keep the focus on the extraordinary ensemble. Getty Images

It’s a day date for Jessie and Marc Murphy, with Jessie opting for a gorgeous white silky tailored suit, finished with structured shoulder pads. Power move. Getty Images

It’s our first pillbox hat sighting! Joel and Britt Selwood arrive trackside, Britt stepping out in a Toni Maticevski frock and a Magnolia Ave hat. Getty Images

Texture takes centre stage for Hannah Dal Sasso and Rupert McLean, with Hannah dressed in a glossy black embossed croc dress. Getty Images