WHILE most eyes turned to the racetrack at South Australia’s richest country race meet on Sunday, the stakes were also high when it came to fashion.
Hundreds of punters graced the Penola Racecourse for the Millicent Cup, where the very best of the region’s style was on display.
In the main fashions on the field event, 17 entrants took to the catwalk and battled it out for the title of “best dressed”.
The frocks for 2018 drew the eye with stunning colours, lace-detailing and bold patterns, paired with stylish millinery.
However, it was Millicent local Kimmi Varcoe’s attire that was crowned the best by judges Tania Von Stanke and Steve Duldig.
Kimmi donned a jewel-embellished turban, which was made by her mother Helen, and was teamed with a Sheike dress.
Helen, who is also the organiser of the event, used vintage fur to add detailing to the fitted long-sleeved midi dress cuffs and Kimmi chose shoes and a bag that were already among her collection.
“Lace dresses have been very popular, but the trend of more fitted style dresses is coming back,” Helen said.
“Wide brimmed hats, boaters, turbans and crowns are still popular, but berets are the newest look in millinery and metallic accents have been big this year also.”
Meanwhile, Melanie Wade was presented as the fashions on the field runner-up, the coveted best millinery award was received by Lauren Harvey and a suited-up Peter Guyett was given the nod of approval for the title of best dressed male.
Peter’s partner Heidi Eldrige was also a winner on the day after she teamed up with her uncle Donald Renehan and the pair were named the “best dressed couple”.
Main winner’s Kimmi and Peter have now qualified for the statewide final to be judged in September.
Helen said the standard of this year’s competition was very high.
“There were 17 beautifully dressed ladies in the fashions this year,” she said.
“The men’s competition was also of very high standard, but the winner Peter John Guyett was a stand-out.
“The couple’s competition is a lot of fun and we had a full stage of entries this year, which made it a tough job for the judges.”
Millicent Racing Club president Jeremy Kenny also commented on the success of fashions on the field and said the organising committee was “very happy with the day”.
“The weather was kind to us and fashions on the field was a huge hit with plenty of entries,” he said.
“We are not exactly sure how many numbers we had until we count the gate, but I would say it was a huge success, a good day for racing and everyone seemed to have a great time.”
