By Alison Noonan
DIANE Peric received the perfect engagement present when she snared more than $6000 of prizes as winner of the Pakenham Cup Fashions on the Field on Sunday.
Miss Peric was one of a record number of entrants to take to the catwalk in the race for the richest Fashions competition in the Cup’s history.
Bold and beautiful creations brightened a wild and windy day and made hard work for the three judges.
Light, flowing dresses in standout colours and patterns were popular choices among the ladies, complemented by big hats and feathery fascinators.
Pink, green and red proved common colours and caught the attention of the judging panel.
Rhianna Pisa made the journey from Thorpdale to enter the Fashions on the Field.
The 20 year old hairdresser’s efforts were rewarded after winning the $900 prize for Best Hat/Fascinator.
“I bought my entire outfit from Veronica’s Lodge in Chadstone,” she said.
“I won the fashions in Traralgon and wanted to reuse the outfit again I spent a lot of money on it!”
Mornington resident Diane Peric took home more than $6000 of prizes after winning Most Elegant Lady.
Miss Peric said her partner bought her outfit as an engagement present and encouraged the first time entrant to strut her stuff.
Miss Peric was wearing a cream floral Marcs dress, Moss and Spy sequined jacket and shoes by Steve Madden.
“I like going to the country races but I have never entered the fashions before.
“This is the perfect engagement present. I plan to use my prizes as quickly as possible and pamper myself.
“I think this is going to be a lucky year for me,” she said.
Susan Brewer of Baxter finished second in a red floral number and handmade hat.
“I spent two hours on the hat and then realised I’d sewn part of it upside down and had to start again!
“I am thrilled just to get a place,” she said.
Pakenham resident Marlene Burhop won third prize in a classic ensemble purchased from her sister in law’s boutique in Bairnsdale.
The keen racegoer finished second in last year’s Pakenham Cup Fashions on the Field and said she was delighted to again win a place.
“I love fashion. I used to own my own boutique.
“It’s a great thrill to win,” she said.
