Ladies travelled from all over WA to enter Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the Final.
Kylie Board was the lucky winner of the Midwest Regional Heat followed by Philippa Kupsch in second place (and Best of the Locals) and Pearlin McCarthy taking out third place.
Ms Board will now go on to compete in the WA Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Perth Racing on Saturday, 30 November.
WA Fashions on the Field caught up with Ms Board 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 love the atmosphere and community spirit; I grew up country so for me it’s like coming home. You always feel welcomed, are guaranteed to have a great time and who can say no to a road trip showcasing Western Australia’s amazing landscape.
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are some of your favourite memories?
I have been attending local races most of my life, but only recently have I discovered the fashion aspect. I went along to support my friend in Northam FOTF and fell in love with the idea that you can dress up in what you feel beautiful in and spend the day with people doing the same. It’s a really lovely feeling. My fondest memory would have to be the Mid West heat in Geraldton, I was on stage with my wonderful friend and she was announced 3rd, I was so proud of her beyond belief getting her sash I couldn’t stop smiling and wanted to jump for joy, then I was announced the winner and we both screamed at each other forgetting we were on stage, those are the moment you cherish, feeling proud of your friends no matter where you place.
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field?
I love the idea of being able to showcase your own individual style in a setting with likeminded people who are there to support you. It’s a great place to admire creativity make lifelong friendships, see our beautiful state and ultimately just be yourself.
4. Describe your style.
I’d describe my style as “Romantic, classic and feminine” I don’t tend to follow the fashion trends that closely but rather pick an element from that trend style to suit me, I like to dress to what I feel good in, what makes me feel pretty, suits my body shape and skin tone. I have always been drawn to beading, sheer, floral and pastel hues, one look in my wardrobe and you’ll know… this girl sure loves beading.
5. What tips do you have for people entering Fashions on the Field?
Be yourself and have fun! Dress in something that makes you feel good, if you feel beautiful wearing it, that is what others will see too. Start with one piece that you love and build the rest of your outfit around that keeping in mind competition guidelines.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Midwest region?
The wildflowers! I am always so blown away by the beauty on display during wildflower season, I have made many trips to soak up its beauty. It’s one thing to see the blooms in photos but to experience in person is a whole other level. The conservation of these areas is also a credit to its caretakers.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to ascot to compete in the final?
Gosh, this is a hard question, it’s not something I ever thought I’d be doing, but now that I am here, I am so excited to be able to share this experience with my new friends and I can’t wait to represent the Mid West and above all just have fun! I am so overwhelmed and grateful to WA Fashions on the Field for giving me this opportunity.
The WA 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 Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Ascot Racecourse on 30 November 2019.
The 2019 WA Fashions on the Field will consist of the following Regional Heats and Final:
Regional Heat |
Event |
Date 2019* |
Great Southern |
Albany Ladies Day |
6 January |
Peel |
Pinjarra Ladies Day |
9 February |
South West |
Bunbury Ladies Day |
6 March |
Pilbara |
Port Hedland Ladies Day |
21 July |
Gascoyne |
Carnarvon Ladies Day |
10 August |
Kimberley |
Broome Ladies Day |
13 August |
Goldfields |
Kalgoorlie Ladies Day |
3 October |
Wheatbelt |
Northam Ladies Day |
6 October |
Mid West |
Geraldton Ladies Day |
13 October |
Final |
WA Fashions on the Field Final |
30 November |