Melbourne Cup memories: The legs that stopped a nation

By Sheena McKenzie, for CNN

Updated 0950 GMT (1750 HKT) November 14, 2015

British model Jean Shrimpton caused a huge uproar after arrving at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1965 wearing a minidress five inches above the knees, with no stockings, gloves or hat.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

THAT dress – British model Jean Shrimpton caused a huge uproar after arrving at the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1965 wearing a minidress five inches above the knees, with no stockings, gloves or hat.

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London designer Colin Rolfe created the short, shoulderless dress after being given a limited amount of material by textile manufactuer DuPont.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Swinging sixties – London designer Colin Rolfe created the short, shoulderless dress after being given a limited amount of material by textile manufactuer DuPont.

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For the first time since the inaugural race in 1861, the winning horse was knocked off newspaper front pages in favour of Shrimpton's legs.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Stop press – For the first time since the inaugural race in 1861, the winning horse was knocked off newspaper front pages in favour of Shrimpton's legs.

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Silence descended on the Flemington members' lounge as Shrimpton and Hollywood actor boyfriend Terence Stamp (pictured) marched in two hours late.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

International celebrity – Silence descended on the Flemington members' lounge as Shrimpton and Hollywood actor boyfriend Terence Stamp (pictured) marched in two hours late.

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DuPont employed a local milliner, Adele Chapeaux of South Yarra, to create a hat for Shrimpton's next appearances. The model complied -- for one day.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Hat's on, hat's off – DuPont employed a local milliner, Adele Chapeaux of South Yarra, to create a hat for Shrimpton's next appearances. The model complied -- for one day.

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Margaret Woods was the winner of the first Melbourne Cup Carnival "Fashions on the Field" competition in 1962. The top prize was a Ford Falcon Futura car.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Founding fashion – Margaret Woods was the winner of the first Melbourne Cup Carnival "Fashions on the Field" competition in 1962. The top prize was a Ford Falcon Futura car.

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Just three years after Shrimpton caused a stir, finalists in the 1968 "Fashions on the Field" competition can be seen wearing dresses well above the knee.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Hemlines rise – Just three years after Shrimpton caused a stir, finalists in the 1968 "Fashions on the Field" competition can be seen wearing dresses well above the knee.

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Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Australian style – The 2011 "Fashions on the Field" winner Angela Menz (center) with finalists Alex Foxcroft and Louise Struber.

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Competitors are judged on their originality, accessories, understanding of current fashion trends and deportment, with prizes in 2012 including a Lexus IS 250C F Sport convertible.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Catwalk Cup – Competitors are judged on their originality, accessories, understanding of current fashion trends and deportment, with prizes in 2012 including a Lexus IS 250C F Sport convertible.

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Actors Eva Longoria, right, and Ronn Moss attend the 2005 carnival. International celebrity guests are now a regular feature at the $6.2 million horse race.

Photos: The legs that stopped a nation

Celebrity culture – Actors Eva Longoria, right, and Ronn Moss attend the 2005 carnival. International celebrity guests are now a regular feature at the $6.2 million horse race.

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