By Rebecca Skilton
It was all about the fashion at this year’s Pakenham Gazette Oaks Day which saw hundreds of fashionistas flock to the track and strut their stuff on this year’s Fashions on the Field stage.
Entrants took to the stage to take part in four sections including Mature Lady of the Day, Best Dressed Gentleman, Couple of the Day and Lady of the Day.
With all eyes on the ladies, the day kicked off with Mature Lady of the Day which was won by Josie Mastroianni.
In a highly competitive field, Josie took out the top title with an elegant, floral-patterned midi dress which she paired with a floral black fascinator.
Over in the main event, Lady of the Day was won by Channelle Pearson who took out the title for a second time following her 2008 Fashions on the Field win.
Taking inspiration from French fashion designer Coco Chanel, Channelle donned an exquisite black ensemble from French label Maje.
“I was going for the classic black-and-white race look – that real timeless look,” Channelle explained.
“I saw the dress in the window a few months ago and fell in love. I waited for it to go on sale and bought it.
“Belinda Wouters from Hats by Belle created my fascinator and my earrings were Chanel.”
But it wasn’t all about the ladies, with the gentlemen putting on an impressive show of spring racing fashion for the Best Dressed Gentleman title.
However, there could only be one winner, with Ray White Pakenham Sales Associate Gabe Bonicelli talking out the top title.
Dressing to impress, Gabe looked sharp in an outfit put together by labels Roger David and Peter Jackson, his choice of light colouring and a playful bow tie and vest making him a cut above the rest.
“It was actually the first (Fashions on the Field) I’d entered,” Gabe said.
“I wasn’t going to enter at first, but the girls from work wanted me to and once I got there I thought I’ve got nothing to lose.
“It was really good fun and the guys in it with me were great laugh. I’d probably do it again.”
The Couple of the Day event proved to be exciting for not only winners mother and son duo Diane and Hayden Gault, but also Pakenham Gazette Oaks Day Ambassador Rachelle O’Connor, who assisted in picking the best-dressed couple.
“Diane and Hayden stood because they both had incorporated navy blue into their outfits and complemented each really well.
“They had really come dressed for the occasion,” Rachelle said.
“And, on top of that, they were just so happy to be there and that really made a difference.”
