The WA Fashions on the Field ‘Peel Regional Heat’ was held at Pinjarra Race Club’s Ladies Day on Saturday 9 February.
30 ladies entered Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the Final.
Bernadette May was the lucky winner of the Peel Regional Heat, followed by Khristina Vasko in second place, Philippa Kupsch in third place and Debbie Garland as the Best of the Locals.
Ms May 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 May 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 opportunity to explore small country towns that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to see. I also love the cosiness of the tracks and the approachability of the crowd. It has an all inclusive vibe that I just can’t go past.
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are some of your favourite memories? It’s been longer than 10 years now! Every time I go to the track I go home with some new favourite memories. In Pinjarra at the Magic Millions Ladies Day, four of the horses I put some little bets on came through with wins which never happens to me!
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field? I started entering Fashions after the birth of my three year old son. At that point in time I didn’t have a huge amount of down time. Following the fashion trends and searching for an outfit complete with millinery and accessories was, and still is an outlet for me.
4. Describe your style. My style has changed from traditional to a more modern feel. It’s a challenge to come up with something that follows the current fashion trends but is still in keeping with fashions at the track. I’m always drawn to vibrant colours and sometimes struggle to keep my palette pared back. It makes me happy to wear colour so I just do!
5. What tips do you have for people entering Fashions on the Field? If you are new to entering Fashions on the Field, don’t pain too much over what to wear. Round up your friends, pick anything you feel comfortable in, jump up on the catwalk and give it a go! Track fashion has its whole own genre and your understanding and preferences of it will develop over time.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Great Southern region? I have been visiting the Peel region since I was very young as I have family in Pinjarra and Mandurah. I love that Pinjarra is incredibly picturesque. Whenever I’m there, I like to get up early to have breaky and listen out for the kookaburras. I also love the casual beach lifestyle in Mandurah. I have some great memories of crabbing, fishing, and scraping mussels off the pylons of the jetty with my uncle and cousins.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to ascot to compete in the final? It really is an honour, made even more special because I truely didn’t expect it. Most of all I am excited to be meeting up with a group of beautiful, like minded women and enjoying every single moment of the journey together. Is it November already?!
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: