Cup’s fashion finery

By Lia Bichel
FASHIONISTAS donned their classiest threads and matching accessories before strutting down the catwalk at Peet Pakenham Cup’s Fashion on the Fields events.
MC of the event and jockey Danny Brereton’s wife, Debbie, said she was impressed with the fashion choices of this years contestants.
“Every year the fashion just keeps getting better,” she said. “I have been fortunate to travel to places like Hong Kong, Japan and England because of my husband’s job, and the fashion in Australia has much higher standards than overseas.”
A total of approximately 50 contestants participated in the event.
Fascinators dominated over hats, black and white over pastels, and diamonds were replaced with pearls. Gloves and bright red lipstick also made fashion comeback.
Men donned black suits or pin-stripe shirts, and most male contestants wore either a bold hat or feather in their pocket.
“We were looking at the contestants’ entire package before choosing a winner,” said Miss World Victoria Metalle Balot, who was a guest judge at the event.
“This year, there was a lot of emphasis on accessories.”
Most Elegant Lady, Breanne Fanning, 19, said she was careful to choose accessories that would complete her classic look.
“I wanted to look elegant,” she said. “I put the outfit together myself. I already had the top, and I borrowed the jacket from my friend. I wanted to make sure everything matched.”
Best Dressed Couple Blanche Milford and Nathan O’Neill said they had professional help in co-ordinating their outfits.
Mornington designer Annette Sanfilippo designed Ms Milford’s frock and fascinator, as well as the feather in the pocket of Mr O’Neil’s Mickey Blue suit.
The duo travelled from Frankston and Mount Martha to compete in the competition, but winner of Most Elegant Mature Lady, Marlene Burhop, didn’t have to travel far.
The Pakenham resident is a veteran to the Fashions on the Field catwalk, and said she enjoyed entering the competitions for the social aspect.
Also a Pakenham resident, 37-year-old Karen Murphy won the Best Dressed Local Lady or Gent category, with her partner Graeme Effrett coming in third.
She said she loved dressing up in her finest clothes for the event, but also participated to support local clubs and businesses.
“I only compete in Pakenham racing fashion in the fields,” she said.
“And I buy a lot of my clothes locally. I bought my shoes and purse from local boutiques, and one of my favourite shops is Embellish (in Pakenham).
“I like to shop locally, and give something back to the community.”
The local section of the event was created to give something to the people who shop locally, said sales and events co-ordinator for Pakenham Racing Club Michelle Tones.
“It’s nice to be able to support the people who support our event and our community.”
Winners received an abundance of gifts; including photo shoots, wine, gift vouchers, hampers, and flowers. The total prize pool was an excess of $10,000.