Delicate frocks, floral prints and towering fascinators galore – the Wodonga Gold Cup fashions on the field could have rivalled the coveted Melbourne Cup.
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Hawthorn Football Club players Taylor Duryea and Jack Gunston made the trip from Melbourne to join the judging panel.
Gunston said he was impressed by the quality of the competition.
“In Melbourne there’s plenty of people there, it’s hustle and bustle, but it’s nice the country races, it’s got a good vibe and a good feel,” he said.
“Fashions on the field was a good event and there’s plenty of nice looking ladies and boys dressed up just as they do down in Melbourne.”
Elegance, colour and florals were themes throughout the outfits of the 10 finalists competing for Myer Lady of the Day.
Fashions on the field director Sarah Crothers described this year’s competition as the best yet.
“We’re looking top to toe at outfits, attention to detail, staying on fashion trend but also having a quirky appeal,” she said.
Karen Naughtin of Bonegilla took the prize thanks to a classic laced dress with floral cut-outs and matching hat and shoes.
“I wanted it to look like I was going to a picnic, something light and summery,” she said.
“My hat was Dyonne Rhodes, a local milliner, and my dress was Trelise Cooper.”
The men’s competition also saw a strong turn out but winner Jack Murphy was modest about his outfit.
“To be honest it’s a collection of my wardrobe,” he said.
“I bought a $100 suit from Vietnam and these are the pants from it, this is a shirt I’ve had for a while and I added a Spotlight handkerchief.
“It’s just a mixture that I’ve collected over the years and it’s come through with the goods.”
The millinery competition was rich with elegant hand-made pieces but a classic black and white number saw Sarah Fisher crowned the winner.
Each group received a Myer hamper and vouchers from local businesses.
The style of this year’s fashions was reflected by almost all of the crowd.
Wodonga Bulldogs player Jack Stefani kept it simple and sported a floral Hawaiian shirt and thongs instead of a suit and tie.
“We’ve got a Hawaiian theme going with the football club,” he said.