- Fashions on the Field
Fashion and horse racing have become synonymous with each other, and the Cairns Amateurs is no exception. The Fashions on the Field is a highly anticipated and hotly contested event at the Cairns Amateurs Carnival each year, with entrants coming from as far a field as New Zealand as well as local and interstate competitors. Each year judges from across the spectrum of Australian fashion publications, broadcasters and organisations cast expert eyes over the entrants. Their presence, along with local and national identities, various fashion houses and companies create an event of style, contemporary trends and elegance.
In 2007, we were delighted to continue our association with Qantas as the major sponsor of Fashions on the Field. In 2008, we look forward to their continued support along with that of the many other valued Sponsors of the event, including Jewel Hair, Cartier, Daniel Swarovski Paris, Judith Leiber, V Pharmacy, Ivy Florist, Shoe Box Cairns, Valentina Venetian Glass and the Shangri-La as accommodation Sponsor. The absence of horses on Ladies Day (Friday) this year did not dampen the enthusiasm for all things fashionable, with over 4000 people attending the track,. This just goes to prove the important link of fashion and racing and the Club was inspired by the support shown by the community for the Carnival and would like to thank all involved, especially the hard-working and glamorous Fashions on the Field Committee, without whom there would be only a few feathers and a lonely catwalk!
The 2008 Cairns Amateurs Fashions on the Field is indisputably the pinnacle showcase of racewear in the region. We are thrilled to announce that The Pier at the Marina will co-sponsor the Fashions on the Field this year with our long-time supporter Qantas and the event is known as The Pier at the Marina & Qantas Fashions on the Field.
The prizes offered to winners of each category are detailed on the Nomination Form, which is available by clicking on the link below.
The categories this year are: Ladies Day (Friday) will have the Open Ladies Racewear, Millinery Award (judged from entrants in the Open Ladies Racewear only) and we will also be re-introducing the Open MenŐs Racewear for those stylish gentlemen who frequent the Carnival; Amateur Cup Day (Saturday) will have the 25 & Under, Open Classic Ladies Racewear and Best Dressed Couple categories.
Sponsors of this prestigious event will be treated to a bird's eye view of all things fashionable in the glamorous and new Ba8 Trackside Fashions Marquee and we welcome the generous support for this event from The Pier at the Marina, Qantas, Cartier, Shangri-La Hotel at the Marina, Ba8, Samsara, Jewel Hair, Ivy Florist, Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Reds Salon & Spa, OPSM, Tuba Rose, NTD Northern and Del Sapore on the Esplanade. This year the total prize pool will be worth $50,000 so plan your outfit using our tips and hints below and strut that fabulous frock or sensational suit with style!
What to wear
As the Cairns Amateurs is a Spring Racing Carnival, the judges will be looking for elegant and stylish race wear to suit the season as well as the latest fashion trends.
Tips & Hints from the Fashionistas!
A few tips from our glamorous judges:
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How to enter
To enter The Pier at the Marina & Qantas Fashions on the Field simply download the Nomination Form shown below, complete the details and bring it and your fabulous outfit to the Fashions on the Field judging area located next to the Garden Party no later than 12.30pm on the day at the race course. Gates open at 10am each day, so you can lodge your Nomination from then until 12.30pm. No late Nominations will be accepted.
A team of Fashions on the Field spotters, who will be wearing identifiable Cairns Amateurs badges, will also wander amongst race goers looking for potential entrants. So if you are approached to enter, be confident and take the chance! Preliminary judging will take place and each Entrant will present their outfit to our first panel of judges. If you are successful in this round, you will progress to the finals in the Garden Party area and then on to the Main Catwalk in the Saddling Enclosure that day. Up to eighteen (18) finalists will be presented on the main catwalk during final judging. It is at this stage that a winner will be chosen from each category.
Nominations will only be accepted at the race course on the day of competition. Nomination for The Pier at the Marina & Qantas Fashions on the Field is free.
Fashions on the Field Results
The founders of the Cairns Amateurs had the original intent to offer women from “the bush” and outback properties, as well as those in the city, the opportunity to dress up in their best outfits for a day at the races. This eventually lead to the staging of the first competitive Fashions on the Field at the 1971 Carnival and has evolved into a fantastic display of couture, costume and colour from all who attend and who enter the various categories.
The 2007 Qantas Fashions on the Field provided another stunning display of fashion and provided judges with the challenge of deciding which outfits stood out from the already high standards. The winners of each category were:
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| Lana Scoville Open Racewear – Ladies Day |
Louise Struber Millinery Award – Ladies Day |
Alice Bright 25 & Under – Amateur Cup Day |
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| Jeanette Garden Open Classic Racewear - Amateur Cup Day |
Vanessa van Haeften & Sam Bush Best Dressed Couple – Amateur Cup Day |