Couple of the Day Bob and Cheryl Shaw caught the attention of judges and racegoers in fuchsia pink florals. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
They may have been lining up on dirt, but the dust and an apparent temperature north of 30 degrees did not stop Fashions on the Field competitors from impressing judges at the Laura Races on 28 June.
Stunning millinery, sharp suits and colour co-ordination were the winning features when participants dressed to the nines took to the field in front of judges in hopes of winning the coveted blue sash.
Couple of the Day Bob and Cheryl Shaw were the talk of the track in fuchsia pink florals, wowing judges and onlookers with their impeccably co-ordinated look as a pair.
Fuchsia pink proved to be a popular colour for both the men and women this year, but Ms Shaw said the colour choice held a personal meaning for her.
“I’ve got stage four breast cancer, and I also love pink,” she said.
“With all those people lined up there, I never thought we’d win.”
Throughout the day, judges Sarah Bensted and Jono Bell had the difficult task of sashing winners and runners-up in the Little Ones (ages 0-5, boys and girls), Little Miss and Little Mister (ages 6-12), Young Lady and Young Sir (ages 13-17), Lady of the Day (ages 18-39), Golden Lady of the Day (40 and over), Couple of the Day (18 and over), and Dapper Male of the Day (18 and over) categories.
“It is hard, sometimes, to make a decision on who’s best,” Mr Bell said.
“We definitely feel like we had some good contenders and picked them well.”
Ms Bensted, who has judged the Fashions on the Field for three years, said the growing variety of outfits and participants was exciting to see.
“It’s growing and getting bigger each year, each category; they all look fantastic,” she said.
“We love that there’s no theme at Laura, so we welcome everyone to enter – any colours, any couples.
“It comes down to who matches the vibe at Laura.”
Certainly matching the vibe was Lady of the Day winner Veronica Beckham, who radiated the Laura sunshine in a striking orange number with gold and purple accents.
“My orange and purple dress just goes with the country sort of style and the dirt, so I love it,” she said.
“I absolutely love coming to Laura Races, and I love dressing up; I think the country meets sort of stand out compared to your city ones, and it’s a lot more fun.”
Lady of the Day Veronica Beckham radiated warmth in a striking orange ensemble. Photo: Chisa Hasegawa.
