Emma Pritchard

It was all about the glamourous outfits teamed with seasonally suitable accessories and complimentary colours which captivated the attention of the judges during the Purple Pearls Fashions on the Field on July 14.

Held following the running of Race 4 on Grafton Cup Day, and sponsored by local businesses including Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort, Angourie Resort, Jacqui’s Shoe and Clothing Boutique, the Village Green Hotel, Connor, and Sweet Sisters Boutique, a large number of entrants participated in the event this year, with prizes awarded to the best dressed couple, best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, and a millinery award for the most stunning headpiece.

Wearing a gorgeous pink and gold dress and another spectacular headpiece by Shanette Farrell of Lotus and Lace Millinery, Clarence Valley local Amie Want was awarded the title of best dressed lady, with the judges complimenting the regular Fashions on the Field participant on her beautiful attire.

Revealing she was drawn to the outfit by its intricate patterns and puffy sleeves, Ms Want purchased the dress online over a year ago and said she had initially planned to wear it in Fashions on the Field during the July races in 2021, only for the event to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was meant to be this year instead,” she said graciously.

“I’ve always loved this dress.

“It has such an elegant style and it’s so classy.”

Best dressed gentleman was awarded to Declan Whiteman, who is currently visiting family in the Clarence Valley.

The Melbourne local caught the attention of the judges with his classy suit from M.J. Bale and doc martens and said while he hadn’t planned on entering Fashions on the Field, he decided to “give it a go for a bit of fun.”

“It was a bit of a surprise because I really didn’t expect to win,” he said.

“I’m hoping I can come back next year and have another go at Fashions on the Field.”

The millinery award was presented to Grafton local Tanya Daniel who wore a classic black and white ensemble teamed with a beautiful headpiece from Allport Millinery.

Ms Daniel said she is a regular attendee of the July races and celebrated her millinery award by having a few champagnes with her friends who encouraged her to enter Fashions on the Field.