How to pick a winner for Fashions on the Field

Posted on 31 October, 2019

It’s all about the millinery.

This year, the Artisan Aesthetic Clinics Fashions on the Field at Thoroughbred Park will be MC’d by Kristen Davidson, co-host of Kristen and Nige for Breakfast on MIX 106.3, Canberra’s number one breakfast show. She will be joined by local fashionistas Kendel Young, Sarah Kelly and Sofia Polak as judges.

Style and originality are what our judges are looking for,” says Kristen. “Melbourne Cup is all about bold colours and having fun.”

When it comes to headpieces, Kristen encourages competitors to think outside the box.

“The beautiful flower crowns available are so delicate and classy. On the other end of the scale, I’m wild for a structured hat! My advice, try a crown or a hat and steer away from the fascinator.”

Doing your research is key. For the Melbourne Cup, judges look for traditional spring touches like straw and floral prints. An original millinery piece is another good bet.

“I love to see Canberra supporting local designers and milliners,” says Kristen. “There are some amazing local women like Christine Waring and Sovata that are being recognised on a national stage for their work in millinery, so they can help your headpiece stand out.”

For Kristen, the sense of community at Thoroughbred Park is a highlight of the day. 

“I’m always so impressed at the calibre of entrants at Fashions on the Field. The time and effort Canberrans put into their outfits, then watching us all come together, have a champagne and enjoy each other’s company is beautiful.”

There’ll be more than $14,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for Fashions on the Field winners and runners up, including Flight Centre Australia travel vouchers, Victoria’s Models vouchers, Artisan Aesthetic Clinics Skin Assessment and LED Light Therapy packages, Canberra Outlet vouchers and Seppelt Salinger wines. All women’s will finalists receive a Victoria’s Models voucher.

Registrations will open at 12.30 pm for an hour, followed by men’s heats at 1.40 pm and women’s heats at 2.30 pm. The finals will be held in the Mounting Yard, with the men off and racing from 3.10 pm and the women from 4.40 pm.

Winners and judges will then be invited to have a drink in the committee room before being escorted via limo to the official after-party at The Duxton at O’Connor.

Thoroughbred Park is also offering attendees the chance to claim a share of $58,000 worth of giveaways for the first 500 people through the gates on Melbourne Cup day.

Gates open at 10.30 am with local racing from 12.30 pm. Head to the Thoroughbred Park website for more details.

the essentials

What: TAB Melbourne Cup Race Day
When: Tuesday 5 November from 10.30 am
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
How much: Members enter free; non-member adults $25, concessions $5, children free
Website: thoroughbredpark.com.au

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