It’s the race that stops the nation of Australia. Yet no longer a horse race which only attracts local viewers, the Melbourne Cup is watched by millions of people across the world.
On the lawns of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, India, 380 guests celebrated the race at an event co-hosted by the high commission, Australian and New Zealand Association (ANZA) Delhi, and sponsored by The Woolmark Company.
Trackside in Melbourne the fashion stakes are always high, and this was no different in India where punters were treated to a fashion show which saw US retailer and Woolmark licensee Brooks Brothers showcase its autumn/winter collection. Suits, jackets and sweaters showcased both woven and knitted woollen apparel and highlighted the versatility of the natural fibre.
“The Brooks Brothers collection displayed at the Melbourne Cup symbolises the essence of various aspects of different lifestyles that individuals enjoy through classic fashion statements,” explains Brooks Brothers business head Sumeet Yadav. “We are excited about our partnership with The Woolmark Company as it will help in enhancing our collection made from woollen fabrics.”
Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers has an enviable reputation, being the oldest men’s clothing chains in the USA. The company has more than 200 Brooks Brothers’ stores in the USA and 70 in other countries.
“Currently, our Indian footprint spans across four stores in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, and Chennai and we are soon going to be to present in new cities.”
The Melbourne Cup fashion event also doubled as a fundraiser for the charity STOP. STOP seeks to put an end to the oppression and trafficking of children and women in India, and has successfully reached out to more than 3000 women and children through the project’s anti-trafficking rescue and repatriation missions. The funds raised from the Melbourne Cup event will be donated directly to STOP.
ANZA president Martha Chivers said large events such as this would not be possible without sponsors.
“ANZA would like to thank The Woolmark Company and Brooks Brothers for your generous support of the ANZA 2013 Melbourne Cup Charity Brunch,” Ms Chivers said. “We value your support of ANZA and look forward to working together in 2014.”
