As always, The Examiner's Fashions on the Field was a major drawcard for punters.
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Belinda Oakley of Acacia Hills took out the millinery section for the second time in two years.
“I won the same prize last year with a yellow fascinator,” she said.
“I’m really proud of my lady who makes my headpieces for me, she’s done excellent work again and I have to thank her because it’s all her.”
Ms Oakley said Sydney-based milliner Leanne Bensley crafted her black, mustard, and creme coloured headpiece to match her dress.
“Basically I wanted something big and bold, it’s sort of my signature,” she said.
Her dress was off-the-shelf from Two Sisters Boutique.
“I really wanted to wear mustard because it’s my mum’s favorite colour, so basically I took that, I found a dress, and then wanted a big [head] piece,” she said.
“Mustard goes so well with black, so it all fell together.”
She said she was nervous coming into this year’s event.
“It was all very last minute, I wasn’t going to enter this year actually,” she said.
“It was a really tough year for competition [with] a lot of mainlanders coming down. It was really nerve-wracking this year.”
Ms Oakley said she hoped her could make it three wins in a row at next year’s cup.
The men’s section was
The winner was Neil Carpenter from Sydney.
Live: Launceston Cup live blog
He said his first time in the state’s North was judging at the Chudleigh Agricultural Show.
“I saw the Launceston Cup on my Facebook feed and said, ‘You know what? I love Launceston, so I’ll come down for the cup as well’,” he said.
Mr Carpenter said his outfit was based around three colours.
“I always try to stick to three colours, so beige, red, and a touch of black,” he said.
“I did put a lot of thought into it.
“The suit I got made in Dubai while I was on holiday.
“The tie is from Aquila, the shoes are from Aquila, the hat is from a milliner in Sydney called Merida Winter.”
Another accessory that set him apart from the rest was a small pair of binoculars.
Mr Carpenter said he backed Eastender as the winner of the cup.
“I’m a fan of Eastender. I’d love to see him do it today,” he said.
Fellow Sydneysider Viera Macikova took out the coveted women’s section.
She said it was her first time in Tasmania, and had made the trip over with her “good mate” Mr Carpenter.
“Neil is actually my really good friend,” she said.
“We’re just really excited to see Tasmania."
Ms Macikova said her dress was a creation crafted by her and a friend.
“This was actually inspired by gorgeous Dolce and Gabbana fabric found in Milan last year,” she said.
“Then my friend and I actually designed it.
“It’s actually a three-piece, a top, a belt, and a skirt.
“You can combine it, so you can wear the top with pants. You can mix it up and match it however you want.”
She said her bright red hat was by Sydney milliner Jane Soddart.
“It’s a beautiful classic Dior style hat that she designed for me,” she said.
Ms Macikova said red seemed to be a popular colour choice at the cup this year.
“It’s just so classic and so stylish and it suits lots of people,” she said.
“It’s all dependant on the shade you choose.
“My favorite [colour] combination is red and white and red, and that’s why I went for it.”
She said the win had meant a lot.
“This means a lot, because I haven’t won in such a long time,” she said.
“It’s just a great feeling. I’m so excited to share this with my friend Neil.”
More Launceston Cup coverage:
Kasey Wilkins
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
