Fashion is a key part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival experience, but attitudes towards race-day dressing are changing. An RMIT expert says more Australians are embracing sustainable alternatives such as rental fashion, resale, vintage clothing and outfit repeating.
Dr. Rashmita Bardalai, School of Fashion and Textiles:
“As consumers become more conscious of sustainability, affordability and the long-term value of their clothing, we are seeing a growing interest in rental fashion, resale, vintage and outfit repeating during the Spring Racing Carnival.
“This reflects a broader shift towards more considered consumption, and these alternatives also make race-day fashion more accessible. People can wear designer pieces, express their individuality and enjoy the excitement of dressing up without compromising on elegance.
“Rather than treating style and sustainability as competing priorities, many consumers are finding ways to achieve both. There is a growing appreciation for quality, versatility and creativity. Some are restyling an existing outfit with statement accessories, while others are investing in pieces that can be worn across many occasions, well beyond race day.
“Race-day fashion is beginning to reflect these changing values, with greater recognition of personal expression, conscious styling and alternative ways of consuming fashion. The opportunity for the industry is to make these choices not only accessible, but genuinely desirable and aspirational.
“The future of race-day fashion lies in celebrating creativity, individuality and lasting value. Great style is defined by how our clothing makes us feel, the memories we create in it and the connections that inspire us to wear it again.”
Dr Rashmita Bardalai is a Lecturer and Joint Program Manager for the Bachelor of Fashion Enterprise at the School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University.
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