Q&A with 2018 Kimberley Regional Heat Winner
Q&A with 2018 Kimberley Regional Heat Winner
The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field ‘Kimberley Regional Heat’ was held at Broome Turf Club’s Ladies Day on Tuesday, August 14.
Over 40 ladies entered Fashions on the Field, for their chance to score a spot in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final.
Michelle South was the lucky winner of the Kimberley Regional Heat, followed by Brooke Walker as first runner up and Sharon Sinclair as second runner up.
Ms South will now go on to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Perth Racing on Saturday, December 1.
The winner of the Final will receive a for 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 South 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 think country racing is one of those key threads in the social fabric that generates community spirit in small towns. The race days may not be as polished as what you’ll see in the big cities but there’s a rawness to them that’s so authentic and gives them a real sense of warmth and charm. I love the characters you meet and the funny stories you come away with from every event. I’ve literally seen it all from people running on the track in their undies through to uniformed Police Officers competing in Fashions on the Field!
2. How long have you been going to the races for and what are some of your favourite memories?
I’ve been going to the races from a pretty young age. My grandpa was actually a stable hand for the legendary Phar Lap so it’s an important part of our family history. I think one of my favourite memories is seeing horses racing on a red dirt track for the first time, it’s a pretty unique sight!
3. Why do you enter Fashions on the Field?
I see fashion as an art form and a way for us to express our creativity and show the world who we are and what we’re about. As many ladies in the north-west will tell you, there really aren’t many opportunities to do that up here and Fashions on the Field is one of those rare chances we get to celebrate that artistic flair and creativity.
4. Describe your style.
Tough question! I’d probably describe it as bold and modern with a classic, feminine twist. I also like an outfit that tells a story or has some connection to your surroundings. I wanted my outfit at Broome Ladies Day to be a nod to the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, as well as that amazing contrast effect of the red Kimberley sands against the blue of the Indian Ocean.
5. What tips do you have for people entering Fashions on the Field?
Number one is to always wear a smile. There’s nothing more appealing than someone who is genuinely enjoying being there and having a great day. I think being comfortable in what you’re wearing is also important. You might be wearing the latest trends but if you’re not feeling comfy in it and it’s not a reflection of who you are, it’s going to show. My feeling is that it’s not about how much something costs, what label it is or whether it’s on trend, if it looks great and you feel a million dollars in it, then you’ve backed a winner.
6. What are some of your favourite things about the Kimberley region?
Definitely the rugged beauty of the area. Giant boabs sprouting up from the bright red dirt, dramatic gorges, pristine white sand beaches and that spectacular turquoise blue water. But it’s also about the people for me. It really is such a remote area but you have this amazing melting pot of people from different cultural backgrounds that just blend together to create this captivatingly welcoming and colourful personality.
7. What does it mean to you to be going to ascot to compete in the final?
It means a lot to me and it still doesn’t really feel real! I’m so thrilled to be recognised and it’s going to be a real privilege sharing the stage with the other regional winners who all looked so outstanding at their respective heats. I don’t envy the judges, it’s going to be really tough choosing a winner!
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:
Regional Heat | Event | Date 2018* |
---|---|---|
Peel | Pinjarra Ladies Day | 10 February |
Great Southern | Albany Ladies Day | 11 February |
South West | Bunbury Ladies Day | 21 March |
Gascoyne | Carnarvon Ladies Day | 9 June |
Pilbara | Port Hedland Ladies Day | 22 July |
Kimberley | Broome Ladies Day | 14 August |
Goldfields | Kalgoorlie Ladies Day | 3 October |
Wheatbelt | Northam Ladies Day | 7 October |
Mid West | Geraldton Ladies Day | 14 October |
Final | WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final | 1 December |