STORMS are expected for Derby Day in Melbourne tomorrow but at least the fashion forecast will be fine, with an auspicious launch yesterday of the Melbourne Cup Carnival's Fashions on the Field at Flemington.

The NSW finalist Angela Menz joined her well-dressed counterparts Yasmin Maskiell (Tasmania), Elicia Anders (Western Australia), Louise Struber (Queensland) and Louise Panas from South Australia to show off the group's winning looks before the final takes place on Oaks Day on Thursday.

Victoria's finalist will be selected on Cup day, and with a total prize pool in excess of $400,000, the competition should be fierce. Myer ambassadors Rebecca Judd and Kris Smith and Welsh designer Jeff Banks also attended yesterday's event to launch the award for the Victoria Racing Club and Myer, which is its presenting partner.

Fashions on the Field is the richest fashion prize in the nation and the world's largest outdoor event of its kind. This year its heats attracted more than 1500 entrants whose outfits are judged on strict criteria such as style and originality; appropriateness for the races; headwear and grooming; and deportment.