Though Wednesday’s weather was windy and wet, it did not deter crowds from filling the Mowbray Racetrack to watch not only the races, but the high fashion donned by punters.

At The Examiner’s Fashions on the Field, contestants could enter into three categories; women’s classic racewear, men’s classic racewear, and millinery. 

Women’s classic racewear winner Jacqueline Kibbin of Geelong said it was her first time competing in Launceston.

“I’ve been to quite a few now, but this is our first time in Launceston,” she said.

Ms Kibbin said she was wearing a Nicola Finetti dress topped off with a hat she had created herself.

“I do millinery classes in Melbourne once a week,” she said.

She said it was “fantastic” to take out the top prize at the Launceston Cup Fashions on the Field.

The millinery section saw contestants judged for the elegance and creativity of their headwear.

The section’s winner was Belinda Oakley of Acacia Hills, who had previously won the millinery section at the Devonport Cup.

Ms Oakley said her entry was a last-minute decision.

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, actually. I hadn’t planned to come through,” she said.

“But, when I had some extra time this afternoon I thought I should put on my best outfit and get out there.”

Ms Oakley’s fascinator was a custom piece, made by Leanne Bensley Millinery in Melbourne. 

“I had the dress, which is an Alex Perry, and I just wanted something bold which would do the piece justice,” she said.

“It was absolutely amazing, I felt so happy to take the win. Especially with no planning.”

Men’s classic racewear winner Cale Barrett of Penguin said he has been participating in Fashions on the Field events for a couple of years.

“I’ve done it for a couple of years, only doing Longford, Devonport and Burnie, because I’m from the North-West Coast originally,” he said.

“So today I decided I’d get spurred up. The prize was great, so I thought I’d come up and make the dashing trip and have a crack.

“I’ve got Brent Wilson pants on, Windsor Smith shoes, MJ Bale jacket, which is double-breasted, and TM Lewis tie and lapel. 

“It’s a great feeling. The Launceston Cup is great for [Fashions on the Field], it’s got a lot of entries and got men back keen into fashion.”

Women’s classic racewear finalist Amanda Southwell created her own dress for this year’s Launceston Cup.

“I’ve had this fabric for about a year now, I ordered it online so it was kind of a mystery what I was getting,” she said.

“But, when it turned up I knew I wanted to make something really classical for the Launceston Cup.

“Last year I won Hobart Cup Fashions on the Field with an outfit I had made.

“To be able to come to something where you’ve made your own outfit, where it’s like an expression of your own personality … there’s no other competition like it.”

The People’s Choice Award for Fashions on the Field will close on March 5, and can be accessed on The Examiner website.

RELATED STORIES: