By ANEEKA SIMONIS
NO amount of wet weather could dampen the spirits of the Pakenham Gazette Oaks Day Fashion on the Field entrants who each braved the wet weather conditions for their chance at fashion royalty.
But it wasn’t just trackside fillies who paraded their on-trend looks, with men and couples also sharing in the fashion limelight during the inaugural fashion event.
First up were the the golden oldies, who provided some fierce competition in the cup’s Mature Lady of the Day event.
Pakenham beauty Marlene Burhop took out first prize followed by Jillian Chandler in second place and Kelly Heard in as the third place getter.
Some trendy lads then waltzed on stage, showing off some very daper looks.
Umbrellas were a trending accessory for the suited gentlemen, but none more intriguing than binoculars sported by one male entrant. Beau Comelli couldn’t hide the grin on his face when he took out first prize, followed by Michael McAlpine and Daniel Smit.
It appeared finalists from the Best Dressed Couple category were monopolised by a single on-trend family and their partners. Dressed in powder blues, Ryan Smit and partner Steph Ryan took out first place. Mr Smit admitted he was pleased to have outdone his brother who placed above him in the earlier men’s category.
Dominique Nickson and Monique Smit took out second place while Daniel Smit and his partner Catherine Smit came in third.
Close to 50 primed and pretty contestants formed a single line toward the stage in anticipation for the event the crowd waited for.
Unfortunately for them, the weather took a turn – breaking out into a mean downpour forcing onlookers to huddle underneath umbrellas or the Fashion on the Field stage.
Though it would be a nerve-racking place for most to find themselves, the fashion entrants were in a better position than those saturated on the ground.
After several heats, a handful of stunning finalists were plucked from the bunch.
Stunning Chloe Davies, wearing an outfit designed by her talented mother, took out first prize for the Lady of the Day event. She wore a white, off-the-shoulder midi outfit with floral highlights and a popping orange lipstick.
Equally beautiful was Melanie Hudson who took out second prize in her dazzling red ensemble, while former place getter Steph Ryan took out third prize.
The fashion event wrapped up just after 3pm – the same time the sun decided to reveal itself again to the many race-goers chasing a win on the horses.
