Jo Bovell was the lucky winner of the South West Regional Heat, followed by Emilia Hyvarinen as first runner up and Leah Lendich as second runner up.
Ms Bovell will now go on to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Perth Racing in December.
The winner of the Final will receive a trip for two to London to attend Royal Ascot with Motive Travel, $10,000 spending money thanks to TABtouch, and more!
WA Country Cups caught up with Ms Bovell to talk about country racing and racing fashion, as well as the upcoming Final, here is what she had to say:
1. What do you love about country racing? I grew up in Bunbury and back when I first started working, local businesses would shut or only open a half day especially for the local cup. I love the buzz around town in the lead up, the beautiful grounds, being social and of course the Fashions!
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are your favourite memories? I’ve been going to the races since I was 18, always loved the social aspect and a cheeky punt on the horses too. I started doing Fashions on the Field 2 years ago. My favourite memories would be spending the day laughing with my friends then getting the shuttle into town afterwards together to get pizza.
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field? I am fashion obsessed, and my style is a bit OTT which suits this very niche competition. I love the whole creative process, watching the outfit come together, scouring the globe for the perfect accessories. It’s such a fantastic artistic outlet for me, I love not being boring old Mum for a day and feeling fabulous in my artwork! I also find it a great confidence booster, I’m always nervous before getting on stage and it’s a positive thing to face your fears head on.
4. Describe your style? My style is definitely over the top! I love contrasting colours, striking silhouettes, perfect coordination and intricate details. My outfits have been very diverse in colour choices or shapes so I don’t pigeon hole myself.
5. What tips do you have for ladies entering Fashions on the Field? Express yourself! I have often stepped out on the day and thought “oh my gosh what have I done, I look ridiculous everyone is looking at me”, but I have later won! My outfit was my creative genius and I forgot my nervousness. Familiarise yourself with the dress code, scour blogs and Instagram accounts of successful entrants and work within those parameters. Don’t worry about the winning part, get in there and make friends with the girls, in the end it’s all for the love of fashion and fun.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Great Southern Region? I love the south west, we have such an enviable lifestyle down here with our beaches, beautiful food and laid back lifestyle. I love that we can drive everywhere without peak hour traffic and park right near where we work unlike most places in the city.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to Ascot to compete in the final? This has been a goal for me! I never thought it would actually happen! I am so excited to go to the final at Ascot, I am looking forward to having a drink with the other finalists and having a great girlie getaway in Perth! The prizes are amazing and I’ve never done anything like this before so I’m a bit nervous, but really honoured too. Thank you for the opportunity.
About the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field
The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field is a state-wide racing fashion competition, open to fashionistas from all over WA, and consists of nine regional heats held at major country race meetings across the State.
The winner of each regional heat is invited to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Ascot Racecourse on 1 December 2018.
The 2018 WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field will consist of the following Regional Heats and Final: