The 164th Lexus Melbourne Cup: A Star-Studded Affair
The 164th Lexus Melbourne Cup was incredible with Melbourne bringing the crowds to the perfect blue sky and sunshine. The thrill of the ‘Race That Stops The Nation’ was electrifying, with a dazzling array of celebrity guests attending the elaborate marquees. Among the illustrious attendees were music legend Sir Bob Geldof, Model and Fashion Designer Nicky Hilton and her husband James Rothschild, the glamorous Elizabeth and Damian Hurley, and Ronan and Storm Keating.
Elizabeth Hurley radiated elegance in a stunning dress by Rebecca Vallance and Millinery by Merve Bayindir, accompanied by her son Damian who wore a traditional morning suit with a yellow rose to match his mother. Her bold yellow ensemble was perfectly complemented by exquisite millinery, adhering to the traditional racing dress code.
Joining her in the fashion spotlight was special guest of Lexus Nicky Hilton who arrived with Australian Fashion Designer Rebecca Vallance, Nicky was breathtaking in an off the shoulder butter yellow two piece created by Rebecca Vallance, and spoke of her recent collaboration with the Australian Fashion Designer on their capsule party dress collection.
Nicky said, “I’m so excited to be back in Australia after many, many years. I’m so excited for my capsule collection with Rebecca Vallance.
Ronan Keating added a touch of charm to the day as he strolled through the Birdcage enclosure, where he was overheard commenting on the sublime weather, although he quipped that it was “a killer in the sun.” The atmosphere was infectious, as guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities while anticipating the main event.
Earlier in the day as Ronan and Storm arrived at the Birdcage they were greeted by racing royalty Michelle Payne, Ronan said, “ we love going to the races we went to the Everest a couple of weeks back and we’ve come to The Melbourne Cup a few times as spectators but to be performing here, performing on Melbourne Cup Day, the biggest racing event, and then again on Thursday, to a sober bunch will be a lot of fun.”
Sir Bob Geldof, a man of many stories, took a moment to reflect on the recent passing of musical icon Quincy Jones. With a heavy heart, he shared fond memories of their time together, “ it’s the death of the cool, he had complete taste, class, style, elegance, the nicest man and without question a gold-plated genius.”
As the race hour approached, Sir Bob was spotted with his arms raised in excitement from the top deck of the Crown Marquee, passionately cheering for his favourite contender when the clock struck 3 PM.
By Melinda Sullivan
Photography by Toby Sullivan @Justpose_
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