THE fashion stakes were high at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday as the nation’s best-dressed fillies battled it out for the coveted final of the Myer Fashions on the Field competition.
Representing South Australia at the spring racing carnival was Millicent’s very own Kimmi Varcoe.
Kimmi was crowned the South Australian finalist two weeks ago after stealing the spotlight in a French blue dress and navy hat adorned with floral accents at the Murray Bridge Gold Cup.
The 25-year-old joins five other interstate finalists, all who eagerly await the verdict of the prestigious competition, which will be announced today.
Speaking with The South Eastern Times yesterday, Kimmi described her experience at the Melbourne Cup as a “very surreal moment”.
“When we arrived it was bucketing with rain and we thought they might have called the day off,” she said.
“We arrived late after the second race … as the traffic to get in was hectic.
“I absolutely loved the fashion at the Melbourne Cup, bright and bold colours and so many out there designs.”
Kimmi walked the catwalk at the Melbourne Cup in her winning outfit – a Lela Rose dress redesigned by local designer Di McLoughlin with navy Senso shoes, a navy Saint Laurent bag and a boater by her mother’s Helen Mary Millinery, which consisted of hand-crafted flowers and beading.
She found inspiration from Vogue and the pleated styles.
With only a week’s notice, Kimmi also had to organise five other outfits to take with her for the race days, luncheons and cocktail party.
“We have had the Herald Sun photograph shoot, Myer Fashions on the Field launch party, AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Melbourne Cup parade, Government House cup eve cocktail party, an appearance on Sunrise and cup day,” she said.
“Today (Wednesday) we are heading to the Oaks Day luncheon at the Crown Palladium before the final day tomorrow (Thursday) at Kennedy Oaks Day where they will announce the national winner of Myer Fashions on the Field.
“There has been so many highlights but my favourite event would have to be being a guest at the Government House cocktail party.
“I also met Dr Marwan Koukash at the Melbourne Cup parade.
“He is the owner of Magic Circle and is hilarious.”
As state winner Kimmi received a $10,000 “trip of a lifetime” to compete on stage at Kennedy Oaks Day today along with a luggage and gift card package.
Today she will find out who has won the title of national title and over $118,000 worth of prizes in a bumper year for the competition.
First place will take home the new Lexus UX valued at $53,000, a Girard Perregaux Cat’s Eye Watch valued at $49,500, a $6000 Myer voucher, a TCL TV package valued at $3105 and $2000 in Antler luggage.
Second and third place will receive a Myer and luggage package, valued at $3000 and $1500 respectively.
