The WA Fashions on the Field ‘Pilbara Regional Heat’ was held at Port Hedland Turf Club’s Ladies Day on Sunday 21 July.
42 ladies entered Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the Final.
Emma Billett was the lucky winner of the Pilbara Regional Heat and also took out the Best of the Locals, followed by Debbie Garland in second place, Jaye Wilson in third place.
Ms Billett 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 Billett 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?
There is so much to love about country racing! The relaxed atmosphere is the first thing that comes to mind here – the crowd at any race day is always in great spirits, and the fact that anything goes, from cowboy boys to summer dresses or fine millinery. I love that race days tend to bring our community together, and I generally always take away a funny story from any given race day – there isn’t much not to like about country racing!
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are some of your favourite memories?
On and off since 2009 – Since my first outing in 2009, race season in the North-West has always been a household favourite for us. Among some of my favourite memories would have to be standing at the fence when a horse you have taken a huge gamble on comes in first and the excitement that comes with that, to admiring the local women in their incredible pearls at the Broome races, and the creativity & style in their outfits. Beautiful winters afternoons spent sitting on the grass with family and friends at any country race meet also comes to mind, and as a mum of 3 young children being able to include them on family race days of late has been the icing on the cake.
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field?
I just LOVE to dress up, and as a woman living in a mining town occasions for doing so are at times few and far between. Ladies Day in Port Hedland gives women the opportunity to dress up as much or as little as they desire, it is the perfect occasion to allow women the chance to go all out if they choose to, and what better occasion?! I also love to watch trends develop and change from season to season, and that satisfied feeling of seeing an outfit come together from your mind to reality – the whole experience drew me into entering fashions on the field for the first time a few years back now.
4. Describe your style.
Colour! I love colour and struggle to keep away from it – keeping a lid on my love for colour is at times difficult and you will rarely see me in plain black or white – although I do love these colours I often seem to wind up in something bright and colourful. Trackside fashion is the perfect outlet for my love of colour, as I find I often go for dresses and millinery I might not otherwise choose in any other facet of life- what better excuse!
5. What tips do you have for people entering Fashions on the Field?
Above anything else, wear what you love – feeling good about your outfit gives you all the confidence anyone needs to give it a go. There are so many more options out there these days than there used to be, with dress and millinery hire available now it gives women access to just about anything, so with a bit of research and some planning the perfect outfit is easily obtainable for anyone wanting to give it a go.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Pilbara region?
I would have to say the community here – it is like nowhere I have lived before, friends become like family here very quickly.
The beautiful mild winters also deserve a mention here – We are a camping family, so many of our winter weekends are spent exploring the incredible outback and beaches in our vicinity.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to ascot to compete in the final?
What an unexpected treat! it has taken a few days to sink in what attending the Final at Ascot means, and I feel extremely fortunate to have been granted this amazing experience. I am very grateful to WA Fashion on the Field for making this experience happen for me, and I really look forward to meeting all the other contestants in November and being a part of this amazing event – It really is the chance of a lifetime, and again one I am so grateful for!
About the WA Fashions on the Field
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: