Helena Christensen Stuns in Custom Rebecca Vallance at Melbourne’s Derby Day

International supermodel Helena Christensen brought a touch of global fashion glamour to Melbourne’s Derby Day on Saturday, October 31, stepping out in a custom Rebecca Vallance creation alongside the Australian designer herself.

Attending as an exclusive guest of Lexus at LANDMARK by Lexus, Christensen joined close friend Vallance at Flemington Racecourse, where the pair showcased bespoke designs created specifically for the occasion.

The appearance formed part of the Australian luxury fashion house’s partnership with Lexus for the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival, with Vallance serving as the automotive brand’s official fashion collaborator.

Both looks offered a contemporary interpretation of Derby Day’s traditional black-and-white dress code, combining structured silhouettes, refined tailoring and intricate detailing.

Christensen wore a custom off-the-shoulder midi dress crafted from black, cream, ivory and silver metallic tweed.

Drawing inspiration from deconstructed tailoring, the design featured a sculpted neckline with lapel detailing, a streamlined pencil silhouette and diamanté buttons.

The Danish supermodel completed the look with Jimmy Choo footwear and headwear by Australian milliner Nerida Winter.

Vallance complemented her guest in a bespoke ivory bonded-crepe ensemble featuring a structured architectural cape, a stand collar, a sculptural midi skirt and delicate lace appliqué detailing.

Her outfit was finished with Jimmy Choo footwear and millinery by Ezara/J Millinery.

The appearance celebrated not only the designer’s partnership with Lexus but also her longstanding friendship with Christensen, who has supported the Australian label internationally.

Christensen previously attended the brand’s collaboration celebration with Nicky Hilton in New York, reflecting a relationship that has extended beyond Australian fashion events.

“Helena has such an incredible sense of personal style, and it’s been a real pleasure creating something especially for her,” Vallance said.

“She’s a dear friend, so sharing this moment together makes it even more special.”

The designer also reflected on the opportunity to bring her label’s distinctive aesthetic to one of Australia’s most recognisable sporting and social occasions.

“I’ve always loved the elegance and tradition of Derby Day, and our partnership with Lexus has given us a wonderful opportunity to bring our design vision to the occasion,” she said.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve created, from our bespoke looks to the wider LANDMARK experience.”

As part of the collaboration, Rebecca Vallance also curated the wardrobe for the LANDMARK by Lexus front-of-house team, extending the fashion house’s design approach beyond the two custom ensembles.

Located within Flemington’s Birdcage Enclosure, the luxury hospitality destination adopted the theme A New Dawn for 2026, drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of Akebono, referring to the moment before sunrise.

The theme celebrates creativity, possibility and new beginnings, bringing together fashion, design and hospitality as part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival experience.

For Vallance, the collaboration arrives during a significant milestone year for her namesake label.

Founded in 2011, Rebecca Vallance is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, having grown from an independent Australian fashion brand into an international luxury label with 11 boutiques and a presence at retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Net-a-Porter and Bergdorf Goodman.

The designer was also named to The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 in 2026, recognising influential figures shaping the global fashion industry.

With Christensen joining her at one of Australia’s most prominent fashion occasions, Vallance’s latest collaboration highlights the growing international reach of Australian design.

The appearance also reinforces Derby Day’s longstanding position as a major event on Australia’s fashion calendar, where traditional race-day dressing continues to provide a platform for contemporary design and international style.