From Second-Hand to Second Place: Laura Williams' Glamorous Melbourne Cup Fashion Journey!

Get ready to dive into the glamorous world of Laura Williams, the fabulous fashionista who's turning heads at the Melbourne Cup! Her story is a dazzling journey filled with glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping fashion twists that you just can't miss.

Back in 2016, Laura conquered two competitions over one intense weekend, seizing second places with her eye-catching Ooby Ryn ensemble. But wait, it only gets better! Fast forward to 2018, and her spellbinding modified vintage dress snatched the national title at the Ned Prix de Fashion. How did she do it? With a sprinkle of creativity, of course—adding tulle, ribbon, and transforming a plain hat into a fiery-red masterpiece.

Laura isn't just about haute couture; she's the queen of upcycling, revamping second-hand gems into show-stopping outfits. And for the pièce de résistance, she teams up with award-winning milliner Clare Hahn to craft the perfect hat. Her shopping secrets? Scouring charity shops for the boldest jewelry pieces to make her outfits pop!

Her prize for that 2018 victory? A glamorous trip to Hawaii and the illustrious Melbourne Cup. Despite feeling out of place at first, she learned to revel in the challenge. Racing through Cup Week from Derby Day's monochrome madness to the floral fantasy of Oaks Day, Williams mastered the art of standing out.

Fashionistas, listen up! Cup Week is no cakewalk, with hundreds battling out for a spot in the finals, judged on the tiniest details. But Williams knows the secret: It's those little touches that make a big impact!

In 2020, she conquered again, snagging the Supreme Award at Riccarton and qualifying for the next national showdown. Even a pandemic couldn't stop her! With a little online magic, Williams clinched her second victory and made a splashy return to the Melbourne Cup in 2022.

Her Oaks Day ensemble? Simply stunning! Although Cup Day didn't go as planned, the tables turned, leading her to a top spot in the Australian national final with $2000 in vouchers as a reward.

Taking a brief hiatus in 2023 for her mesmerizing wedding to Jack Williams, she returned with a bang in the online fashion showdown, effortlessly securing her place in the national finals. Get this, she even orchestrated their couple wardrobe, matching ties and all!

The Melbourne adventure was a non-stop ride of VIP treatment, fancy lunches, and fab cocktail parties. Laura's creativity shone through with a reinvented green suit, earning her second place in Best Suited. Cha-ching—a $15,000 haul including cold, hard cash!

With her sights set on the Wellington Cup and a burning desire to dazzle at 2024's Melbourne Cup, Williams continues her fashion escapade just for the thrill of it. It's all about the champagne, the camaraderie, and the pure joy of crafting these jaw-dropping outfits. Who can resist the allure of the races, especially when you're as fabulous as Laura Williams?