Berwick’s Lauren Kok swept the pool at last week’s Mornington Cup when she was named the most elegant woman under 40 and named overall winner in the Fashion on the Field competition. Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Rebecca Fraser
WITH a last-minute dress change Berwick’s Lauren Kok swept the fashion stakes at the Mornington Cup last week.
Ms Kok netted more than $11,000 in prizes when she was awarded the most elegant woman under 40 in the annual Fashions on the Field competition.
The glamorous 23-year-old was also named overall winner and picked up two return airfares to Los Angeles, $1600 cash, a white gold ring and two pairs of sunglasses as a small part of the extensive prize package.
Ms Kok is no stranger to Fashion on the Fields competitions and has entered four events since last September.
The fashion lover was runner up in the best-dressed stakes at the Cranbourne Cup last year.
Ms Kok said she was completely blown away by the win and had changed her outfit just 10 minutes before leaving the house.
The marketing student wore a black dress by Australian designer Ty and Melita for the event and a black pair of heels from Nine West.
Her outfit was accompanied by a vintage pearl brooch and feather headpiece and matching handbag designed and made by Rosie Condo of Vintage Rose in Hampton.
“I had to be out the door at 11.45 and at 11.30 I decided to change what I was wearing.
“Originally I was wearing a vintage dress from the 1970s that was cream, brown and orange.
“I was not expecting (to win) at all,” she said.
Ms Kok is organising the 2006 Berwick Grand Prix Grid Girl Competition, for which she was an entrant last year.
She said she had a strong love for Australian designers and horses and these very different passions had led her to enter Fashions on the Field.
Ms Kok said she would travel to Los Angeles after completing her university studies later this year and needed to decide whether to take her partner, jockey Jamie Evans, or her best friend.
The glamorous student works as a part-time strapper for leading Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing and said she spent a lot of her time dressed in tracksuit pants but always enjoyed a touch of glamour.
Ms Kok also owns a horse and is involved in equestrian as well as having shares in a thoroughbred racer.
“I always go to the races and I thought it (Fashions on the Fields) was there for the taking, so why not enter,” she said.
