By BRIDGET COOK
DESPITE the cold weather, the competition was hot in the fashion stakes at the TAB Cranbourne Cup on Sunday.
More than 50 men and women braved the cold and dressed in their finest racewear for the Myer Fashions on the Field.
Graphic prints in both neutral and bright tones were a popular choice among women entrants, while it was all about attention to detail and accessories in the men’s competition.
The two categories – Myer Lady of the Day and Myer Man of the Day – were judged by Myer Ambassador Lauren Phillips, Australian Fashion Guide chief executive Scott Fiora and local milliner Annette Sanfelippo.
In the women’s section, Crystal Kimber, from Park Orchids, was crowned the winner, Breanne Beatson second and Lauren Ellery third.
Creativity was the key to Ms Kimber’s winning look, having handcrafted some of the elements of her bright green and blue outfit herself.
Her dress was from Asos, and she had cut the hem of the dress to shorten it and used the material to create a collar. She also made her cap and ordered her headpiece from a Bosnian felt maker on Etsy.
“It’s so exciting to win,” Ms Kimber said.
“It’s not even about winning though, it’s just nice to know someone else liked your outfit.
“I actually had another outfit planned for today, which I brought in a bag with me, but it just wasn’t right for the weather.”
The winner of the Myer Man of the Day was Michael McAlpine, from Richmond, and the runner-up was Ben Carbonaro, from Hillside.
It was all about the attention to detail for Mr McAlpine who took every aspect of his outfit into consideration – right down to his shoelaces.
He donned a deep purple patterned, Jack London suit, with grey a shirt, hat and shoes and light pink tie and shoelaces.
Mr McAlpine, a seasoned Fashion on the Field entrant who won at Cranbourne two years, said a lot of thought went into each outfit.
“You have to make your accessories pop,” he said.
“It’s important to do a warm colour suit and then make your accessories pop by choosing a nice spring colour.”
Mr Carbonaro said it was great to have some success at Cranbourne.
“I’ve had two wins before, but Cranbourne is probably the highest standard one I’ve entered, so it was great to have some success,” he said.
Ms Phillips, who hosted the fashions at Cranbourne last year, said it was great to be back as a judge.
“I’ve been really impressed with the standard of entrants here today,” she said.
Ms Phillips said a lot of the latest racing trends had been on show in the competition.
“We are seeing beautiful graphic prints this season with bright, bold colours,” she said.
“Floral is also popular and we are seeing a lot of beautiful flower head pieces and floral prints which is great for spring.”
Winners shared in more than $5000 worth of prizes including Myer shopping sprees.
