I believe it was around Sunday morning last week when I first saw the weather forecast for Derby Day – cold, wet and windy. 19 degrees.

I had flashbacks to Derby Day 2010, my first ever visit to Flemington, where we shivered through rain and endured the best the elements had to throw at us – all the while in heels, a frock and a fancy facinator. Is there truly any occasion where beauty does not equal pain?

Dress by Camilla and Marc, facinator by Morgan & Taylor, shoes by Wittner.

As the week wore on and the predictions of rain didn’t let up, fashionistas planned and replanned outfits to suit. As it was, I hadn’t yet decided on an outfit full stop, let alone had a chance to change it.

The morning of the Derby dawned, and rain could be heard on the pavement outside when the alarm went off. My dress choice was based on the colours of the day (traditionally black and white, although I was informed yesterday no one actually knows where this trend originated) and an umbrella and coat were mandatory requirements.

We arrived at the track at 10am, long before many punters were out of bed but late enough that the early rain seemed to have cleared. The sun began to shine and the fashion parades started.

Manning the door of the VIP area at the Myer Fashions on the Field Marquee, I had the pleasure of greeting Hugh Sheridan, George Houvardas, Kris Smith, Myer CEO Bernie Brooks and the most fabulous fashionista of them all, J Alexander.

The fabulous Fashions on the Field VIP team – Olivia, Emma and me! Olivia (centre) in dress by SA designer Liza Emanuele and facinator by Amanda Mercer of Adelaide Hatters. Emma (right) in dress by Nevenka and facinator by Morgan & Taylor.

It would be totally inappropriate to take happy snaps of these guys as they head up the stairs but it’s such a thrill when they make small talk! Amazing how a hello or a smile can make a girls day.

The fashions were, as expected, fantastic. Everything from modern to vintage, self made and couture was out in force – both for the ladies and the men. It truly must be difficult for the judges to pick a winner; the victor in the women’s racewear category won wearing a modern Scanlon & Theodore dress.

Number 327 – Derby Day Fashions on the Field Winner in Scanlon & Theodore

After five hours standing in heels, in the gorgeous sunshine none of us had expected, I was ready to sit down (lie down, sleep…). We headed upstairs to the grab a drink and rest our tired feet, where much to our delight, master milliner Philip Treacy was also cooling his heels.

Following drinks at the marquee, we visited friends in The Rails, where champagne and lollies were on tap, before a wander through the elegance of The Birdcage to the carpark where our very organised new friends had the supplies for an outdoor picnic as the sun set.

Olivia and me in The Birdcage

While we watched the traffic jam of cars leaving the track, we sipped champagne and chatted all things frocks, fashion and Flemington – it was good to be back at the track!

A trip back on the train to Flinders Street and finally the rain we had waited for all day arrived. It was definately time to go home.

Thanks to Olivia Nunn for images.