Tracking fashionable success at Grafton

Emma Pritchard

The line-up of bright colours and expertly styled outfits and suits mixed with plenty of enthusiasm matched the vibrance of the occasion as close to 40 participants approached the stage for the Purple Pearls Fashions on the Field on July 13.

Held following the running of Race 4 on Grafton Cup Day and sponsored by local businesses including Blue Dolphin Holiday Resort and Angourie Resort, entrants proudly showed off their best racewear, with prizes awarded to the best dressed lady, best dressed gentleman, best dressed couple, and best millinery.

Best Dressed Lady: Amie Want

Clarence Valley resident Amie Want was announced as the Best Dressed Lady. Image: Emma Pritchard

Wearing a stunning headpiece by With Grace Millinery, beautifully styled with her eye-catching black and white dress and gorgeous accessories, Clarence Valley resident Amie Want was extremely excited to win Best Dressed Lady.

A regular entrant in Fashions on the Field events during the July Racing Carnival, Ms Want began putting her outfit together 12 months ago and is looking forward to entering again in 2024.

Best Dressed Lady was proudly sponsored by Sweet Sisters Boutique.

Best Dressed Gentleman: Nathan Desmond

Nathan Desmond from the Gold Coast was the Best Dressed Gentleman. Image: Ross Pritchard

He’s entered and won numerous Fashions on the Field titles across Australia, and during his first visit to Grafton last week Gold Coast local Nathan Desmond impressed the judges with his sharp Politics suit and Louis Vuitton accessories, winning Best Dressed Gentleman.

A professional stylist, Mr Desmond complimented all of the Fashion on the Field entrants this year, noting it was great to see so many bold colours and creative headpieces on display.

Best Dressed Gentleman was proudly sponsored by Connor.

Best Dressed Couple: Fred and Roslyn Xerri

Fred and Roslyn Xerri of Grafton won the Best Dressed Couple. Image: Emma Pritchard

Runners-up in the same category last year, beautifully tailored outfits by Peter Jackson and Joseph Ribkoff caught the attention of the judges this year when local couple and prominent racehorse owners Fred and Roslyn Xerri were announced as the Best Dressed Couple.

“I saw the dress online six months ago, and I loved it,” Mrs Xerri said.

“I added the stole to it for today, and my headpiece is from Fascinators by Nerchar.”

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

Best Millinery Award: Sharon Edmonds

Best Millinery Award was presented to Sharon Edmonds of Newcastle. Image: Ross Pritchard

Wearing a striking maroon headpiece from Millinery By Mel, Newcastle visitor Sharon Edmonds said she felt very confident ahead of the event.

Dressed in a bold and vibrant multi-coloured dress, rich in autumn shades and complimenting her outfit with a pair of gold heels, Ms Edmonds said she enjoyed participating in Fashions on the Field and was happy to be among the seven finalists for the Best Millinery Award.

Best Millinery Award was proudly sponsored by Elm Lifestyle.