By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
FLORAL flair, lace and bold colour stole the runway at this year’s TAB Cranbourne Cup Fashions on the Field competition as more than 30 brave women strolled down the trackside catwalk.
The beaming sun set a glorious backdrop for the fashion headquarters with the three judges blown away at the race-day-appropriate, well-co-ordinated and stylish frocks and fascinators on show.
The experienced judging panel of three, model and milliner Caitrin O’Rourke, trainer at Ken Keys Racing Kasey Keys and face of ‘Flemington’s Playground of Racing Royalty’ campaign, Alison Saville said they were “very impressed”.
“The millinery on show today was outstanding – what we look for is really well put together ensembles which reflect their personality and compliments their body shape,” Ms Saville said.
With three competitions judged on the day, five lucky ladies got to take home a sash in the Lady of the Day over-35s category, the Young Lady of the Day under-35s category and the prize for Best Millinery.
Dressed in red lace and white tulle and a pair of pale pink lace gloves, Alison Spence, from St Kilda, won the hotly contested Young Lady of the Day competition.
After three heats and against 10 finalists, Ms Spence took home the sash and collection of prizes in a Chi Chi London dress, Olga Berg handbag, heels from Myer and hat by Emily O’Regan Millinery.
“This was one of the easiest outfits I’ve put together, the hardest part was finding the shoes and gloves to match,” Ms Spence said after her win.
Having competed in the Caulfield Cup fashions on the field once before Ms Spence knew what was important – that being ladylike gloves.
“I found the gloves on eBay and had to dye them myself,” she said.
With everything matching down to her red sparkly stud earrings Ms Spence took centre stage under the fashions marquee with Lady of the Day winner, 55-year-old Anne Kelly from Beaconsfield.
Shining in pearls and representing Berwick and Pakenham boutiques Ms Kelly was the only contestant to wear a coat on the day and was humbled by the win.
“I just loved these purple heels by Moschino and I made the outfit around the shoes,” Ms Kelly said.
Wearing a hat made by a friend, a baby blue shift dress by Nicola Finetti and a purple clutch from Embellish Fashions in Pakenham it was Ms Kelly’s pastel printed coat from Pol Boutique in Berwick that stood out among the competitors.
“I worked on the outfit for a few weeks and just can’t believe I’ve won,” she said.
Seasoned racewear fashionista, Ms Saville, said it was lovely to see lace gloves and a coat on show.
“I do love gloves, it’s very ladylike and I think gloves and a coat are very appropriate for fashions on the field,” Ms Saville said.
Red made a prominent appearance on the catwalk along with high neck lines and pearl accessories but it was the man dressed in navy and high-vis yellow that got everyone talking.
With the lads missing out on their chance to trot the runway this year Constable Ryan Blake decided to step up to the plate, mastering some poses and delighting crowds when it was announced the Cranbourne police officer was also single.
The bachelor was called up for an encore performance and even gave the girls his best ‘blue steel’ impression.
The winners took home a broad range of prizes from major sponsors including Review, Ella Bache Cranbourne, Brazilian Butterfly, De Bortoli Wines and Felicity Northeast Millinery.
