A close finish in field of fashion

FILLIES on the runway rivalled the on-track action with a stunning display of fashion at the Cairns Cup Carnival on Saturday.

More than 30 competitors took the catwalk for the Lady of the Day fashions on the field competition, in what was a tough ask of judges Elli Vukasovic, Renae Porta and carnival ambassador Millicent van der Velde.

“Two of us definitely agreed with the one winner and one was very against. So it came down to current trends and it’s also winter racing fashion,” Ms van der Velde said.

“And also colours that are on-trend and what fits. You have to dress to your size and shape as well as how you own and wear your outfit.”

Ms van der Velde is a Brisbane-based fashion blogger whose family has a long history in horse racing.

The carnival ambassador said fashions on the field entrants were abreast of race fashion trends, colours, styles and the transeasonal theme of the carnival.

“It has been amazing and I have been so impressed with the Cairns fashion. It has been completely on par with Brisbane,” she said.

Viera Macikova and Rebecca Conlan were named runners-up and Bella Kullack took the grand sash by being named the best dressed Lady of the Day.

Ms Kullack wore a green and blue tartan printed dress – crafted by Mareeba designer Liana Hastie – accessorised with a simple back felt hat tied in a choker style around the neck and paired with matching matt black velvet heels.

“That’s my style. I prefer an elegant classic style,” Ms Kullack said.

“I just enter for fun and all the girls were beautiful. We are all friends so it’s just a nice gettogether and if you win it’s an added bonus. It’s just an excuse to get dressed up.”

A lawyer by day, Ms Kullack said she enjoyed fashion as a creative outlet.

“I love fashion. It allows me to put ideas together and to wear things that you can’t … in the office,” she said.

“I am very humbled and happy. It’s the cherry on top to walk away with the sash. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

The millinery award, selected from Lady of the Day entrants, was won by June Sheppard.

I JUST ENTER FOR FUN AND ALL THE GIRLS WERE BEAUTIFUL BELLA KULLACK