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MELBOURNE - While jockeys sit in saunas and refuse to eat as they try to make weight for the Melbourne Cup, some of the world's biggest celebrities are preparing in a similar way to fit into their frocks.
As grooms prepare the thoroughbreds for the race that stops the nation, the stars of stage and screen are getting themselves groomed for Australia's greatest fashion showdown.
Beauty salons around the country have hit overdrive.
Manicures, pedicures and waxes are the order of the day as ladies begin to pamper themselves in preparation for the competition that really matters - The Fashions in the Field.
Spray-on tans are in demand at bronzing salons to get the fashionistas ready to wear the exclusive frocks from some of Australia's top designers.
Alex Perry says he has been inundated with requests from Australian stars including, Dancing With The Stars co-host Sonia Kruger, presenter Sophie Falkiner and former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins.
He may also be dressing Hollywood A-lister and Superman Returns film star Kate Bosworth.
Bosworth is just one of many international celebrities who should be in dazzling track-side form on Derby day.
"At this point I am dressing 28 of Australia's best known celebrities," Perry said.
"I am waiting to hear back about Kate Bosworth, but she is looking pretty good.
"I love the fact that racing has become what it has in fashion. It's a great day for people to go and have fun, but they can also go and feel really special. Everybody is always looking to see what the girls are wearing and who looks cute and who doesn't."
Glamorous Bosworth will be joined by Alias star Michael Vartan, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter and his pop singing brother Aaron, plus Desperate Housewives actor Andrea Bowen, during the Cup carnival.
Home and Away star Kate Ritchie says the carnival always lures some of the world's biggest stars.
Last year she brushed shoulders with Desperate Housewives sexpot Eva Longoria and The Bold and the Beautiful's Ronn Moss.
"It's nice that it attracts overseas faces, it is getting known overseas," the 28-year-old said.
"You're never sure who is going to turn up."
While fashion plays a big part, the elaborate marquees in Flemington's Bird Cage enclosure, are where the stars and wannabes hope to be seen.
Companies, including Moet and Chandon, Motorola, Emirates and Lexus, can spend anything between A$100,000 ($116,265) to A$1.5 million on their marquees.
"I guess the fact that it's a carnival is a clue to the feel of the day," Ritchie said.
"You get your serious punters, but for me I love going down and seeing lots of faces of people I haven't seen for a long time. I must admit though, there have been years I have been down there and haven't seen a single horse race!"
Ritchie is going with traditional black and white attire, wearing an exclusive number designed by the acclaimed Jayson Brunsdon.
For Ritchie, the carnival is a day of relaxation.
"You work so hard all year, you don't usually get an opportunity to have a glass of champagne, dress up and have fun," she said.
Getaway presenter Catriona Rowntree was introduced to the event 10 years ago and hasn't looked back.
The star enjoys soaking up the atmosphere around the track and in Melbourne's CBD.
"Until you experience the Melbourne Cup Carnival for yourself and witness an entire city getting in on the act you don't know how crazy it gets," she said.
"To walk down the main street of Melbourne and everyone is wearing a hat and going to the races - it's like nothing I have experienced before."
Rowntree's hot tip for racegoers is to go easy on the booze.
"No matter how magnificent you set out on the day, there is nothing attractive about a man or woman who has consumed too much," she warns.
"It doesn't matter who you are or how expensive your handbag is, it's the best way to kill a look."
While Rowntree wouldn't give too much of her race day attire away, she has gathered inspiration from screen siren Grace Kelly.
"For me, I really wanted something Grace Kelly would be proud of," she said.
"As someone who loves to dress up, I absolutely embrace the sense of tradition."
- AAP
