Hat designer Philip Treacy returns as VRC Style Ambassador

2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival to be held from Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 November at Flemington.

Having recently staged his first catwalk show in 12 years at London Fashion Week 2012, and designing for some of the most famous fashion houses in the world – including McQueen, Chanel and Givenchy – Treacy is well known for his sculptural, innovative and directional designs.

Treacy’s first official engagement will be at the launch of the Myer Fashions on the Field Enclosure on Thursday 1 November, an important milestone for the VRC as it celebrates 50 years of Fashions on the Field at Flemington.  Treacy will spend ten days in Melbourne and attend AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day as well as a number of exclusive VRC events. 

Entrants at Myer Fashions on the Field will enjoy a brush with fashion royalty, with Treacy judging the Women’s Racewear Daily Final on AAMI Victoria Derby Day and Women’s Racewear Millinery Award and National Final on Crown Oaks Day

VRC Chairman Mr Michael Burn said the VRC was thrilled that Philip Treacy was returning to Flemington in an historic year for the Club.

“The name Philip Treacy is one of the most recognisable in the fashion world, and is synonymous with innovation and style.  Millinery plays such an integral role in racing fashion, and as we mark 50 years of Fashions on the Field at Flemington, it is only fitting that our style ambassador is one of the world’s most celebrated hat designers,” Mr Burn said.

Born in 1967 in County Galway, Ireland and now London based, Treacy is a five-time winner of the British Fashion Council’s Accessory Designer of the Year award and well known for designing for high profile clients Recent collaborations include Grace Jones’s 2009 Hurricane tour, which he art directed, the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for which he created 36 bespoke hats, Madonna’s headpiece for the 2012 Superbowl,and Lady Gaga opening his extraordinary London Fashion Week catwalk show.

One of the world’s most famous and accomplished hat designers, Treacy’s achievements were formally recognised in 2007, when he was awarded an OBE for services to the British fashion industry.

The VRC’s Myer Fashions on the Field is more than just an event; it is a key driver of the fashion and millinery industries – industries that the competition both celebrates and relies on.

Racegoers spent more than $28 million on fashion items to wear to the four days of the 2011 Melbourne Cup Carnival alone. In total, more than 63,000 hats and fascinators were purchased; 52,000 pairs of shoes; 34,000 dresses; and 28,000 handbags – all to wear at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC)