Old world glamour

By Jade Lawton
PAKENHAM’S most fashionable event, the Gazette Pakenham Oaks Day Fashions on the Field, saw a return of old world glamour last Thursday.
More than 130 fashionistas tried their luck in Most Elegant Lady, Most Elegant Mature Lady, Best Dressed Couple and Best Dressed Lady or Gent, with the winner of each category taking home a smorgasbord of prizes donated by local businesses.
Many of the day’s outfits were vintage-inspired, with parasols, lace gloves, hand-held fans and Pill Box fascinators dominating the catwalk.
But with cool winds later in the day, the most common accessory sported by the fashion hopefuls was goosebumps.
Red, black and neutral tones were popular but some were not afraid to stand out from the crowd in clashing yellows and purples, hot pink or orange.
Local fashions on the field veteran Marlene Burhop, Country Racing ambassador Sally-Anne Marshall and John Wallin from Bonny and Clyde’s were given the task of judging the stylish entrants, who strutted their stuff in front of a huge crowd.
Mrs Burhop said she was looking for racegoers who showed flair and considered the weather when picking their outfits.
And Ms Marshall had a tip for those considering entering next year.
“It was very very tough, the ladies all looked wonderful but some didn’t make it because they didn’t have handbags, which are a requirement for fashions on the field,” she told the crowd.
Debbie Brereton, wife of jockey Danny Brereton, was again host of the event, alongside Cardinia Foundation Executive Brian Paynter.