Celebrities and punters alike braved the rain at Flemington on Saturday to officially kickstart the beloved Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Derby Day’s strict black and white dress code provided the goods, with stunning silhouettes, shapely wide brimmed hats and the timeless little black dress the clear plays of the day.

Former West Coast Eagle Nic Naitanui and partner Brittany Bown were among those living it up in one of several exclusive marquees.

Bown represented the west, wearing a custom dress from Mt Lawley couture designer Brides by Design.

Fellow West Aussie WAG Bec Judd stunned in a sleek shoulder-hugging number by Melbourne couturiers J’Aton, while Danish supermodel Helena Christensen opted for a black, white and silver metallic tweed number designed by her long-time friend, Rebecca Vallance.

Lachie Neale and his new partner Emma Field also made an appearance, with Field wearing a custom Atoir white jacket and skirt, paired with a black, pillbox-style headpiece.

The pair were spotted with Brownlow medallist and Collingwood player Nick Daicos, who is now teammates with Neale following his departure from the Brisbane Lions, and his partner Arlette Amor.

It was also a good day for West Australian jockey Mark Zahra, who recovered from his Caulfield Cup fall on Half Yours to pilot The Next Episode to a thrilling victory — his third Coolmore Stud Stakes triumph and second in as many years, following his win with Tentyris last year.

Hopes the wild weather may clear up for the race that stops the nation on Tuesday could be realised, with rain forecast through Monday before easing up to morning showers on Tuesday.

Punters in Melbourne can expect a high of 18C, and a minimum temperature of 14C.