Myer ambassador Jennifer Hawkins and David Jones ambassador Megan Gale meet in the bird cage during 2008 Derby Day Source: News Limited
It’s hard to believe, but this year will mark ten years since Jennifer Hawkins made her first fashionable foray onto Flemington’s hallowed turf.
The fresh faced, quintessential girl-next-door had just been crowned Miss Universe when she stole the spotlight from the thoroughbreds in 2004, wearing a dropped waist, backless apricot dress which featured a plunging neckline and spangled embellishment.
Jennifer Hawkins at Flemington in 2013 Source: News Limited
Jennifer Hawkins at Flemington in 2004 Source: News Corp Australia
Since then, Hawkins style has evolved from floaty frocks and fascinators into sexy tight, white dresses and ‘hatinators’; most notably her look in 2008 when rival department store model Megan Gale playfully whipped her with her Derby Day accessory to the delight of male onlookers on “Millionaire’s Row”.
2011 Derby Day. Flemington. Socials. Jennifer Hawkins outside the Myer marquee. Source: News Limited
Since settling down with husband Jake Wall, Hawkin’s style has again morphed into a more refined elegance and high-glamour, with whimsical details including crown-inspired headpieces, exaggerated silhouettes and bold colours.
Jennifer Hawkins at the 2012 Melbourne Cup. Source: News Limited
A standout was her black and lilac neoprene dress by Melbourne designer Toni Maticevski which featured a striking asymmetrical neckline.
As the face of Myer, Hawkins has been photographed with every big celebrity that has visited the exclusive birdcage enclosure from Liza Minnelli to Carson Kressley, Snoop Dog and Dame Edna Everage and as the best dressed racegoer for the past decade, Hawkins is the most accurate bellwether of racing style we have.
Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Hawkins at the 2008 Melbourne Cup. Source: News Limited
We take a look back at how the former Miss Universe showcased the trackside trends, some we would rather forget, and how the way we dress for the centrepiece of Melbourne’s social calendar has changed over the last ten years.
JENNIFER HAWKINS: 10 YEARS OF FLEMINGTON FASHION
Originally published as Jen Hawkins: 10 year fashion evolution
