Kate Reynolds in her winning outfit
WA’s Kate Reynolds has taken out the coveted State win in this year’s MYER Fashions on the Field competition held on Crown Perth Opening Day at Ascot Racecourse last Saturday.
Kate won the chance to compete in the MYER Fashions on the Field national competition to be held at Kennedy Oaks Day in The Park at Flemington Race Course on Thursday, November 8th.
The Perth lawyer and part-time nurse said, “Winning the WA spot for the national MYER Fashion on the Field competition at Flemington was the ultimate dream for me.”
“I’ve loved dressing up for fashions at the races ever since I won the ‘Face of Ascot’, back in the early 2000’s. It was so much fun then and I suppose I’ve been hooked ever since,” Ms Reynolds said.
Kate said her inspiration for her winning ensemble came from a simple love of red and pink.
“I love that colour combination. I then found out it was very on-trend for spring, so after that I scoured online sites and shops for a dress I loved and thankfully, found this one.”
Reynolds said she designed her homemade millinery and accessorized to make sure her outfit aligned with the Fashions on the Field brief.
“Race wear can be elegant and fashionable as well as distinctive. I cannot wait to see what the ladies create at Flemington this year,” she said.
More than 60 competitors entered in this year’s WA MYER Fashions on the Field at Ascot Racecourse in a changed format that saw the competition shun catwalk judging in preference for contestants taking part in a digital photo shoot by MYER photographers on course.
According the GM Commercial and Marketing, Louise Ardagh the new format didn’t deter people at all.
“We were cautiously optimistic about the new format as it was quite changed to the traditional catwalk judging where contestants enjoy the chance to be on the stage and competing in a number of heats,” Ardagh said.
“But the feedback to the format has been great and our contestants were really happy with their photo shoots. Many were surprised how long the photographer spent with them and we were delighted they now have a number of shots as a memento for their 2018 Fashions on the Field entry, Ardagh said.
WA’s winner liked the change of format, “I really enjoyed the shoot aspect this year. While the catwalk is fun with the digital format, once the photo shoot is over, you can relax and enjoy your day at the races, without getting too nervous.”
“The only nerves I had was waiting to find out the results,” Ms Reynolds said.
Contestants in this year’s MYER Fashions on the Field women’s race wear national competition will battle it out for over $118,000 worth of prizes, in a bumper year for the competition.
The national winner takes home the all-new Lexus UX valued at $53,000, a Girard Perregaux Cat’s Eye Watch valued at $49,500 from Kennedy, a $6,000 Myer Voucher, a TCL TV package valued at $3,105 and $2,000 in Antler luggage.
Second place receives a $2,000 MYER voucher and $1,000 in Antler luggage.
Third place will walk away with a $1,000 Myer voucher and $500 in Antler luggage.
WA’s runner up was Elizabeth Winlo and second runner-up Bernadette May.