Local News

Elegantly dressed Daniel McCullum and Emma Clarke won the Best Dressed Couple. Image: Emma Pritchard

Glamorous scenes a fashionable sight at Grafton

Emma Pritchard

Close to 50 entrants participated in the Purple Pearls Fashions on the Field during the 2024 XXXX July Racing Carnival, and with so many complimentary styles, colours, and seasonal accessories featuring in the line-up this year, the judges had a difficult time selecting the winners and runners-up.

Judge Michelle Page said it was amazing to see how much effort entrants put into their outfits this year, describing their racewear as seasonal and on par with current fashion trends.

“There was a wonderful line-up of colours including pink, grey, contrasting oranges, and lilac, and everyone looked stunning,” she said.

“The etiquette was also amazing, and everyone was smiling confidently.

“The detailing in a lot of the outfits was what stood out to me and seeing how the men and women matched their accessories with their racewear.”

Ms Page said it was also encouraging to see more men enter Fashions on the Field this year, adding participant numbers were up across all categories compared to 2023.

“It’s great to see more and more people becoming interested in fashion and wanting to be involved with Fashions on the Field,” she said.

Millinery Award Winner: Adelaide Zietsch Robinson.

Millinery Award Runner-up: Shanette Farrell.

Wearing a stunning headpiece by Cynthia Jones-Bryson Millinery which was beautifully teamed with a Mackenzie Mode blouse and a Forever New skirt, Adelaide Zietsch Robinson is a regular entrant in Fashions on the Field and impressed the judges with her colour-coordination, elegance, and attention to detail.

The Millinery Award was proudly sponsored by Elm Lifestyle.

Best Dressed Lady Winner: Sharon Edmonds.

Best Dressed Lady Runner-up: Tanya Brown.

After winning the Millinery Award at the Purple Pearls Fashions on the Field during the 2023 XXXX July Racing Carnival, Sharon Edmonds revealed she was “more than elated” to return to Grafton this year to win Best Dressed Lady.

Dressed in a gorgeous Zoe Kratzmann dress and wearing a spectacular headpiece by Sonlia Millinery, Ms Edmonds expertly complimented her outfit with black gloves, a black belt, and a classic handbag.

Best Dressed Lady was proudly sponsored by Sweet Sisters Boutique.

Best Dressed Gentleman Winner: Scott Smith

Best Dressed Gentleman Runner-up: Paul Johnston

A first-time entrant in Fashions on the Field, Grafton resident Scott Smith humorously revealed his drink voucher cost more than his outfit.

Wearing a tie and pocket handkerchief purchased for a bargain price from Target, a shirt borrowed from his brother, shoes borrowed from his dad, and a hat he found at home which suited his attire, Mr Smith said he was very surprised yet very honoured to win Best Dressed Gentleman.

Best Dressed Gentleman was proudly sponsored by Connor.

Best Dressed Couple Winners: Daniel McCullum and Emma Clarke.

Best Dressed Couple runners-up: Paul and Catherine Johnston.

Wearing gentle shades of soft lilac and white, Queensland couple Daniel McCullum and Emma Clarke wowed the judges with their complimentary styling and graceful sophistication.

Teaming her Zimmermann dress with her winter inspired headpiece (a beautiful op-shop purchase), Ms Clarke said she and Mr McCullum love attending the races and taking part in Fashions on the Field together.

Best Dressed Couple was proudly sponsored by the Village Green Hotel.