Melbourne+cup



= Fashion has been a part of the Melbourne Cup for many, many years. Over time fashion has grown to become a = **bigger aspect of the Melbourne Cup. Some people might argue that fashion is bigger than the actual race itself. Shows such as Fashion on the Fields have helped the Melbourne Cup remain a highly fashionable, yearly event. Both women and men see the Melbourne Cup as an opportunity to dress up and enjoy the long weekend. Below is a history of how fashion has become a significant part of not just the Melbourne cup, but the Spring Racing Carnival.**

=== Fashion on the Fields began in 1962. It was designed to attract more women to the races, the Fashion on the Fields was about finding the smartest dressed woman at the carnival within a given price range. The prize value for the smartest dressed woman was 7000 pounds of cash and goods. There are two categories for women outfits. One for outfits costing around 30 pounds and one for women with outfits more than 50 pounds. Who ever won the Fashion on the Fields got a sea trip to the UK which was valued at 1400 pounds. ===

=== Fashion on the Fields got more popular. The press was talking all about it and it was all over the news. This helped Fashion on the Fields grow into something bigger and better. By the 60's celebrities were judges and they participated in this carnival. ===

=== Melbourne Cup wasn't only about the horse racing, it was now mostly about the fashion. Many people were hoping that the fashion would become more important than the racing itself. Some members of the racing did not like the idea of this happening. During 1965 the members of the racing carnival thought that there was too much silliness going on that year so they promoted a horse. As time went by all arguments about fashion shouldn't become more important then the racing were put aside to argue later. ===

=== In 1965 a model called Jean Shrimpton turned the world fashion spotlight. She showed up wearing a one piece shift four inches above the knee with no hat, gloves or stockings. It shocked everyone and from that day fashion has changed and became a whole different thing. ===

=== In 1971 Fashion on the Fields was dependent on sponsorship Fashion on the Fields was dependent on sponsorship so unfortunately it ended in 1971, however fashion events did not end there. The Melbourne Cup held various fashion related events and competitions during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, in place of the Fashion on the Fields. 1972 Fashion on the Fields was replaced by Race Clubs, another version of Fashion on the fields. This competition was for women who win contest at race meetings throughout Australia, during the year. ===

=== In 1972, 1975- 77 another contest was held. It was called the Ten Elegant Ladies. In 1976 the Sun newspaper ran another contest Pick a Fashion Double. this was a contest about finding he most stylish couple. ===

**In 1979 MYER Girl of the Day began, and kicked off to a good start. In 1981 Fashion on the Fields began again, many people were happy about it coming back to the Melbourne Cup. As all of this was happening, sponsorship increased, the prize pool grew and celebrities were found all around Flemington race course. In the 80's competitions were not just open for members, but had began to open up for the public. Contestant's were told that they could be required to produce invoices and sign a true statement telling the cost of their outfits. The sponsors for the competitions were Schweppes and Fletcher Jones. The prize pool in four categories of the total of $20,000. The categories are :**

2 years on MYER become a major sponsor for this event. As years went on during 1986, media described a competition which is now know as MYER Fashion on the Fields.
=== By the 1990's, Fashion on the Fields " carved a niche for itself in the ritual and pageantry Australian racing" ( www.melbournecup.com). In the 90's the competition was again divided into two sections: ===

The Milliners Award was added in the 90's.
=== Crown Casino became the major sponsor of the Fashion on the Fields. The prize was over $100,000. By the late 90's, prizes included a trip for two to Hong Kong, Paris and Tahiti, with a $100,00 wardrobe and $5000 spending money. As you can see, Fashion on the Fields became very lucrative event. ===

=== In 2005, due to its popularity, the Victorian Racing Carnival added new elements, including a nationwide competition, which brought the excitement of the Cup to other States. 2006 a new category called The Design Award was aimed at designers, to showcase their creations/ designs. ===

Fashion on the Fields is how known as the most prestigious outdoor fashion event in Australia. Fashion on the Fields allows people to " indulge their passion for fashion". (www.melbournecup.com).
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