Ladies travelled from all over WA to enter Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the Final.
Jodi Reilly was the lucky winner of the Gascoyne Regional Heat, followed by Aimee Holmes in second place and Stacey Reynolds taking out Best of the Locals.
This is Jodi’s second time competing in the Final, after competing in last year’s competition.
1. What do you love about country racing?
It is a great time to catch up with friends and it also provides a chance to for us to dress up.
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are some of your favourite memories?
I have been attending the races with my family since I was born as my Dad was a jockey (now trainer), so in my younger days (when we had no choice) we went to most regional racetracks with Dad. My sister and I made great friends on the course and we would hang out with them each meet.
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field?
For fun and the chance to dress up! I was a tomboy right up until around 30 years old and I never attended a school ball, so entering FOTF provides a chance to not only wear a gorgeous dress, but to also have hair and makeup done, design custom millinery to match and then choose accessories – turning it into a complete outfit. Creating an outfit for FOTF is the part I love.
4. Describe your style.
I’m attracted to strong bold colours. The style for this outfit was ‘Retro Elegance’. I don’t have a set style as such, I find something I like and then get carried away with possibilities for the result! Often the end result is something completely different from what I envisaged at the start.
5. What tips do you have for people entering Fashions on the Field?
Make yourself familiar with the rules/criteria so you are eligible to win. Have fun, mix and match. Your outfit doesn’t have to cost the earth. If you have an outfit idea, put it together and then run it past trusted friends. I do this with my outfits and it always ends up much better than if I did it on my own, plus my friends feel like that are part of the journey then. And never forget, anyone can win, so own it up there, it is your time to shine!
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Gascoyne region?
I love the diversity of things to do throughout the Gascoyne – either on land or sea and this is matched with the most gorgeous, fresh produce too! If someone is not sure what to do or see – I’d suggest they check out the Gascoyne Food Festival (as I did this year) as a starting point – world class attractions paired with outstanding produce, it’s pretty hard to beat!
7. What does it mean to you to be going to ascot to compete in the final?
I am completely excited; I love that we get to dress up again and that we get to share the experience with like-minded ladies from around the region. When we put an outfit together, we do so in the hope to do well in the regional FOFTF, everything after that is an absolute bonus. I am looking forward to meeting the finalists and having an amazing day out at Ascot. Fingers crossed I also back a winner!
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:
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 |