TWO South East fashionistas received top honours in racing fashion this week as part of this season’s Fashion at The Races statewide competition.
Mount Gambier’s Abby von Duve claimed the overall 2016/17 Fashion at The Races title and a hefty prize pack while Millicent’s Brianna Scanlon was runner-up.
Dressed in a peach Pasduchas dress with customised matching accessories, Ms Von Duve qualified for the state final by winning the fashions on the field event on Melbourne Cup Day at Morphettville.
The state final was judged Monday by a panel which included Miss Universe Australia 2017 Olivia Rogers, BNKR head stylist Jazz Mignone, M.J. Bale brand partnerships head Susie Thompson, millinery ambassador Sylvy Earl and The Races SA industry marketing manager Michelle Greene.
The judges faced a challenging decision with over 20 winning looks to choose from.
After plenty of deliberation the judges agreed Ms Von Duve’s sophisticated and classic blush-tone ensemble made her the deserving state final winner.
Closely behind was runner-up Ms Scanlon, who qualified for the state final by winning the Millicent Cup event.
The judges believed Ms Scanlon stood out with her eye-catching look which featured detailed accessories perfect for the autumn weather.
Having qualified for the state final on three separate occasions, Ms Von Duve said she was pleased to be awarded the overall title.
“It was so exciting to hear I had won, I watched the live announcement on Facebook and immediately ran out to tell my colleagues,” she said.
“This is my first time winning the major title so it is very exciting.”
Ms Von Duve is known for customising her accessories and outfits for racing events, whether it be adding some sparkle to a bag or reviving an old hat.
Her winning look is a prime example.
“My hat was originally a vintage black and white piece I recovered with white leather, altered the shape and painted the brim, then I added the flowers to soften the overall look,” she said.
“My clutch was an op shop find I painted copper to match.”
This season’s competition was ran in a different format, with each state finalist judged on their winning qualifying outfits.
In the past finalists would attend a separate event in a fresh look.
As the winner, Ms Von Duve has walked away with a $4000 Luxury Shopping Spree at BNKR Adelaide, two VIP tickets and hospitality to the 2017 Balaklava Cup and invitation to judge the
2017/18 Fashion at The Races competition.
Ms Scanlon was not left empty handed, winning a $1000 Evo hair care prize pack.
Ms Von Duve said the local racing fashion community was buzzing before the competition announcement.
“We were all chatting and messaging each other hoping one of us would place and two of us did,” she said.
“It is a really good community, everyone is super supportive and kind, it is all about sharing a love for racing fashion.
“Some people think it can be quite nasty but it is not like that at all, I have met some great people through competing.”
She said anyone who puts effort into their racing attire should enter the fashions on the field events.
“If you put effort into your outfit and you look and feel great, get up and show it off,” Ms Von Duve said.
“It is not about the labels, it is about how you present the look as a whole, the first time I won an event I wore a $1 headpiece from Target.”
