WITH the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup only a day away, fashion forward punters are putting the final touches on their outfits for tomorrow’s Fashions in the Marquee.
Hosted in the Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee, competition will be fierce with prizes up for grabs for best dressed female, best dressed male and best millinery.
Her first time at the cup, Mount Gambier milliner Ashlee Kalantarian of Ashlee Lauren Designs will judge this year’s competition after being named a Thoroughbred Racing SA ambassador.
Ms Kalantarian will join South East personal stylist Kate Hastings to crown the fashion winners.
In her first foray as an ambassador, Ms Kalantarian said she was excited for tomorrow’s event.
“I was contacted to be an ambassador last year and I was really proud to have the opportunity to represent the Limestone Coast in this way,” she said.
“They gave me a few options of meet that I could attend but I decided on the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup as it’s an amazing day out and I have never been before.
“I’m really looking forward to not only the fashions but the whole atmosphere at the
Penola Racecourse.”
Ashlee Lauren Designs was established in 2012 when Ms Kalantarian designed the accessories for her own wedding and developed her brand from there.
Now a regular name in the racing circuit, Ms Kalantarian’s designs can be seen on red carpets worldwide, including being worn by international musician Ke$ha for the 2018 Grammys.
Although Ms Kalantarian has no formal training in millinery, her impressive list of clientele has made her one of the leaders in the Australian industry and gives her a wealth of knowledge for tomorrow’s judging.
has been named a Thoroughbred Racing SA ambassador and will judge this year’s South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup fashions.
“I’m really excited to see what kind of unique styles people bring to the fashions tomorrow,” she said.
“Anything colourful for summer is lovely and sticking to traditional guidelines with classic and beautiful silhouettes is always popular.
“But I really love seeing things out of the ordinary, obviously I’m big on going a little different with millinery so I’m hoping to see some outstanding pieces.
“At the moment there’s no real trend with headwear, we’re seeing headbands and boaters or turbans which means there should be a real variety tomorrow.”
As for the men, Ms Kalantarian is a fan of a pop of colour combined with a classic look.
“I like seeing a different jacket or a coloured suit,” she said.
“It’s important to look dapper and classic but something unique is always welcomed.”
After tomorrow Ms Kalantarian will switch her focus to working on the Adelaide Cup in March before the return of Mount Gambier’s Gold Cup in May.
“I’m really looking forward to this year’s racing season,” she said.
“We’re event already working on things for the Melbourne Cup.
“So the races are always a huge focus for us.”
Tomorrow’s fashions can look forward to some impressive prizes including a three month e-styling voucher from Perception Personal Styling valued at $300, $200 Ashlee Lauren voucher and a trio of assorted Coonawarra magnum wines.
In addition, those who enter through the Penola Pennant Facebook page will have a chance to take home a magnum of Hollick Estates 2008 cabernet merlot.
Photos from the event will be uploaded on Friday morning and entrants have until January 25 at 5pm to get as many likes as possible on their photograph to win.
