There will be royalty at this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival and I am not referring to The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attending the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
I am referring to racing royalty - Victoria Racing Club (VRC) have announced that world renowned hat designer Philip Treacy OBE will be returning to Flemington as the VRC International Style Ambassador for the 2012 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Having recently staged his first catwalk show in 12 years at London Fashion Week 2012 and designed for some of the most famous fashion houses including McQueen, Chanel and Givenchy, Treacy is known and adored for his sculptural, innovative and directional designs.
Millinery plays such an integral role in racing fashion and as this year marks 50 years of Fashions on the Field at Flemington, it is only fitting that the VRC International Style Ambassador is one of the world's most celebrated hat designers.
Entrants in Myer Fashions on the Field will be feeling the pressure to perform as Treacy will be 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.
Interestingly, Australian race goers 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.
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.
Kim Cattral has already announced she will be wearing Philip Treacy, I wonder who else will be wearing his amazing designs!