Catwalk show turns into an engaging affair at Caulfield Cup

AT the Chadstone Fashion Stakes, seasoned campaigners made their way from around the country to showcase the most on-trend looks for Spring Racing.

But block colours in citrus hues, marine blues and lipstick pinks were all overshadowed by a romantic wedding proposal at the conclusion of the first heat of the day.

Will Kruss, of Cheltenham, got down on one knee in front of hundreds of fashion watchers to propose to his girlfriend of 10 months, Nataliya Slebs.

Ms Slebs was clearly surprised by the impromptu announcement, but smiled and said, "Yes".

Mr Kruss said he had it all planned.

"I have had the ring for a couple of weeks, and when I knew she was competing, I thought it would make for a very unique proposal - plus I was already dressed up," he said.

Host Brodie Harper, who looked sophisticated in a Manning Cartell dress and Marilena Romeo millinery, said she was so overcome by the proposal she could barely focus on her MC duties.

Fellow competitors were also clearly stunned by the romantic gesture, loudly gasping as Mr Kruss got down on bended knee.

In a world first, young designers also competed in the inaugural Lightway Solar Design Challenge, where finalists created spring racewear incorporating solar panels, showing the link between the innovativeness of solar energy and that of fashion design.

RMIT's James Sanders won with a dress inspired by sun worship, its solar panels representing the scales of a serpent.