Melbourne Cup 2016: Best and most creatively dressed

The race that stops the nation is upon us.

Not the Melbourne Cup - the race to get into The Birdcage as the rich, famous, influencers and The Bachelor alum flock to Millionaires Row for a day of champagne, air kissing, shoulder rubbing and blisters.

Jennifer Hawkins was one of the first to arrive, breaking with her tradition of wearing a floaty frock for Cup day by pulling on a tomato sauce-coloured pant suit by new Myer label, Misha.

I loved this in 2009 when Britney Spears did it and I love it today.

Jodi Gordon. Looking like a put together Alice in Wonderland, Gordon teamed her Roksanda pink creation with an oversized purple bow to attend the Australian version of the Mad Hatter's tea party, aka Cup day.

Julie Bishop and David Panton have come in costume as The Bachelor's Alex Nation and Richie Strahan. The Foreign Minister stuck true to her style schtick by showcasing biceps that could shirtfront Putin and her love of dramatic, oversized hats by Philip Treacy.

Jessica Gomes is not only David Jones' ambassador, in this creamy ensemble by Rebecca Vallance she's also now the face of Viennetta.

Elsa Pataky, wife of Chris Hemsworth, looking as sweet as a bag of licorice allsorts in Cappellazzo Couture.

Rachael Finch is wearing the butterfly filter from Snapchat made by Victoria Novak.

Bec Hewitt takes the cake for looking the most comfortable, the most colourful and the most like curtains in this custom dress and bomber jacket ensemble by Cristahlea.

Lindy Klim looks set to audition for the next Nutcracker in this Dolce & Gabbana kit.