Canberra fashionistas are taking coronavirus-forced changes in their stride, frocking up in backyards and parks across the capital to get their Melbourne Cup fashions on the field fix this week.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to every aspect of the race that stops the nation, with Thoroughbred Park officials bracing for a crowd of just 650 compared to the 5000 who normally attend on Melbourne Cup day.
Both the Melbourne Cup's Victoria Racing Club and Canberra's Thoroughbred Park have moved their annual in-person fashion competitions online, where entrants upload outfit photos for their chance to win.
Thoroughbred Park's fashions on the field judge Kristen Davidson said the virtual competition made entering easier for fashion newcomers and people who couldn't travel to a racecourse for cup day.
"It takes a special kind of person to get up on stage and strut their stuff and maybe people feel more comfortable in their backyard or driveway," she said.
"I'm really hoping to see some new, fresh faces. I hope there are some beautiful people out there who haven't had the confidence to enter before who really surprise themselves."
Casey couple Viviana and Brad Croker are no strangers to cup day glamour.
A racing fashion veteran, Mrs Croker has won fashions on the field events in Melbourne, Sydney and at Canberra's Black Opal Stakes.
The pair were this month crowned the ACT finalists for the national 'Fashions on Your Front Lawn' Melbourne Cup competition.
While the coronavirus pandemic has robbed the couple of the chance to strut their stuff before punters at Thoroughbred Park, Mr Croker said the virtual competition provided his first opportunity to compete against men from all over Australia.
"I'm stoked they've managed to have it virtually because I wouldn't have gone to Melbourne and I wouldn't have been a chance of being crowned national champion if it wasn't for COVID," he said.
The virtual national competition has expanded to include male contestants from the ACT and the Northern Territory for the first time.
For Mrs Croker, being a national finalist was the peak of a seven-year-long fashion journey.
She admitted it's disappointing to miss out on the finalists' trip to Melbourne for cup day, but said with two kids under two she would have struggled to make the trip.
"It's a bit sad not to be able to enjoy the day at Thoroughbred Park, but it's better than cancellation," she said.
Mrs Davidson was glad Thoroughbred Park hadn't cancelled its event completely, because people wanted the opportunity to see each other and connect more than ever.
"This year has been a true test of resilience for Australians and I'm glad they're forging ahead with it," she said.
While she said it would be "weird" not to attend the racecourse for this year's event, she was still planning to dress up and pour a glass of champagne while she judged entries at home.
She'll look out for local designers, local milliners, and bright pops of pinks and purple.
For Mrs Croker, statement sleeves were key - hers on the dress handmade by her mother - along with attention to accessory detail.
The Victoria Racing Club's executive general manager of customer engagement Caroline Ralphsmith said the virtual fashions events would be a welcome distraction for Australians during a difficult year.
"I know a lot of our dedicated fashions on the field lovers will be delighted we are continuing with the competition, despite the challenges we all continue to face this year," she said.
Both the men's and women's national winner will receive more than $80,000 in prizes, including a new Lexus UX250h 2WD Sports Luxury car.
For Mr and Mrs Croker, it's just an opportunity to feel good.
"As the years have gone by I've felt more confident doing it and it's helped me get over fear in my everyday life," Mrs Croker said.
"It can be daunting dressing up with thousands of eyes on you in the park, so the good thing is you can do it in the privacy of your own home."
Entries to Thoroughbred Park's virtual fashions on the field are open until Tuesday, with winners announced the next day.
