Fashions on the Field at Flemington is the biggest fashion competition in Australian racing. Thousands enter, hundreds are shortlisted, and the winners set the style tone for the entire season. I have studied what works, and there are clear patterns that separate the winners from the also-rans.
"I have watched every Flemington FOTF final for years. The winners always share the same quality: every element looks intentional. Nothing is random. Nothing is an afterthought."
— Kathryn Lee
How FOTF Judging Actually Works
- Overall Presentation (30%): Head-to-toe cohesion, grooming, posture, and confidence. This is nearly a third of your score.
- Outfit and Design (30%): Quality, fit, fabric choice, and design originality. Custom or tailored pieces have an advantage.
- Millinery / Headwear (20%): Craftsmanship, suitability, and proportion to the outfit and the wearer.
- Accessories and Styling (20%): Bag, shoes, jewellery, and how everything ties together.
The Hat Is Always the Centrepiece
Every recent winner has worn a striking hat or headpiece. Not a hastily chosen fascinator, but a considered, often bespoke piece that was clearly part of the overall design concept. Judges look for a hat that works with the outfit as a whole.
What Judges Look For in Millinery
Proportion: the hat suits the wearer's frame and height. Craftsmanship: clean finish, secure construction, quality materials. Originality: unique design or an unexpected twist. Colour harmony: picks up tones in the outfit or provides intentional contrast.
Colour Confidence
Winners tend to commit fully to a colour story. One bold colour with tonal variations and complementary accents reads better on stage and in photographs than a busy mix. Think emerald green with gold trimmings, or head-to-toe coral with a white hat as a fresh contrast.
Details That Set Winners Apart
Gloves, statement earrings, a beautiful clutch. Winners pay attention to every detail. But they never overcomplicate. Every element earns its place.
"The Lillian Frank AM MBE Millinery Award, held during Melbourne Cup Carnival, is Australia's most prestigious millinery award. Winning it in 2024 was a full-circle moment for me, having started my career at Lillian Frank's Toorak salon."
— Kathryn Lee
