Recycled fashion

By Kelly Yates
RECYCLED fabric from her wedding dress was the inspiration for Lauren Russo’s winning outfit in the Best Dressed Local category for Fashions on the Field.
The Pakenham Upper resident said she put together her look with pieces from her neutral toned wedding dress.
The 23-year-old was married in November 2008.
“I thought the beige was a nice autumn colour,” she said.
“And it was also easy to find accessories to match.”
Instead of the classic hatinator or fascinator, Ms Russo opted for a mesh headpiece decorated with sequins and diamantes to jazz up her dress.
“I liked it because it was different and feminine,” she said.
Ms Russo said she was shocked to win the fashion event at the Devine Communities Pakenham Cup Day, which she only entered because of pressure from her sister.
Cardinia Shire councillor Brett Owen also wowed crowds in the parade by strutting down the catwalk in a black suit with a green shirt and black hat, which was hand-picked by his wife.
Cr Owen scored third place.
Garfield North resident Helen McRae said she thought the Best Dressed Local was great as it supported the town and area.
“And if you listen you can hear the cheer squads for the locals,” she said.
Ms McRae has entered Fashions on the Field several times over the years, scoring second place one year.
“I wasn’t going to enter this year,” she said.,
“But a lady stopped me in the toilets and said I should enter, so I did. It’s always terrific to take part in it.”
There were 17 locals competing in the Best Dressed Local event.