TURNING heads in race-day glam has always been a strong passion for Millicent fashion fanatic Brianna Scanlon.
Ms Scanlon recently added another glimmering sash to her collection as she took home first place at the Bordertown Cup’s Fashions on the Field.
Ms Scanlon said claiming the event crown for the second consecutive year was “very rewarding.”
“I went last year for the first time and absolutely loved it,” she said.
“The racing club puts on such a fantastic day for every age.
“I think the Bordertown cup is a very family oriented race meet so they had a lot of junior fashions on the field prizes up for offer as well as a lot of kids games and entertainment too.”
Ms Scanlon wore a bright two piece outfit she was featured in at the Myer state final late last year.
“I decided it needed another outing to show all the hard work that went into the two piece design,” she said.
“I designed the outfit and then had it made by Beachport resident Di McLaughlin.
“The fabric was purchased from Spotlight and believe it or not part of it was from the upholstery section.”
Ms Scanlon’s halo-styled millinery was designed and crafted by Melissa Barnes.
“It twisted around at the back of my head and over 15 hours of work went into it,” Ms Scanlon said.
“I saw this particular piece on Melissa at the spring carnival last year and knew I had to have it to finish off this outfit.
“The individual circles were cut and we had lots of colour matching samples to go along with it.”
As Ms Scanlon’s outfit was vibrant she wanted to make sure her accessories were simple and did not distract from the rest of the outfit.
“I wore gold statement floral shaped earrings from Ashlee Lauren Designs to pick up the flowers Melissa put into my halo,” Ms Scanlon said.
“My shoes were from Rebellious Fashion online, I went for a thicker stiletto to be more practical for the track and the perspex straps make the underneath material of the skirt stand out more.
“For my clutch I wanted something to go with the heels so a perspex clutch worked well along with a pink insert to hold all my bag needs.”
Ms Scanlon was lucky enough to win $1000 cash and a $200 fashion voucher.
The fashion guru said she enjoyed the challenges involved with putting outfits together for race events.
“I will constantly be looking at fashion blogs and social media sites to see what the latest trends are and how I can incorporate them into my own personal style,” she said.
“It is about learning how to be confident and stepping outside my shell.
“I am actually quite a shy person so being on a stage and having to speak has helped me grow confidence and be more out-going around people I do not know.”
Ms Scanlon believes she has won six fashions on the field events across over 15 competitions.
“I had a winning streak a few years ago which was very lucky,” she said.
“I started entering when I was 18 which is about five years ago now.
“I have had various highlights throughout my journey which include making the top 10 twice for the Myer SA state final and coming second for the 2016/2017 Fashion At The Races SA final.”
Ms Scanlon has a few factors she takes into consideration when planning an outfit.
“I like to make sure my outfit is on trend but is still within my personal style,” she said.
“It is always important to make sure the outfit suits my body shape, is flattering and is comfortable.”
Ms Scanlon usually allows herself a few months of preparation for major racing events so she can change her mind if need be.
“Lately I have been getting my outfits made by a very talented lady from Beachport,” she said.
“Di McLaughlin has been an absolute star when it comes to making my outfits.
“I go to her with a terrible drawing of what I want and she somehow understands it and creates a masterpiece every time.”
Now that Ms Scanlon has won a place in the final for 2018/2019 Fashions at the Races SA competition she will not need to qualify again.
“I still like going and entering race events so I most likely will head over to Naracoorte for a drive in February,” Ms Scanlon said.
“The Millicent and Mount Gambier cups as they are always such a fun day.
“I was going to slow down on the fashion on the field scene but it is a bit addictive so entering the Myer SA state final competition is on the cards again too.”
