Townsville Cup 2011

Race photos only just arrived! So I can finally blog about the Townsville Cup. My first time putting in such a large degree of thought. My conceptual design was clear but needed work, from the detail on the gloves, type of gold through the suit and tones in the fascinator. I wanted a traditional foundation and contemporary feel with innovative details. I’ve been thinking about this outfit for so long I can't believe it actually exists now!

To start with, my sketch (please forgive my bad art work) was way more basic to begin with. The more research I did, additional details were added like sleeves, buttons, vintage brooch and gloves.

So I asked Robyn Wynter (dress maker) and Jaclyn McDonald of Show Poni Millinery to turn my drawing into race wear reality. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome; it’s exactly what I had envisaged. I can’t thank those guys enough for their fantastic work (also putting up with my demands)

Grant Perigo Photography http://grantperigo.com/

Grant Perigo Photography http://grantperigo.com/

Grant Perigo Photography http://grantperigo.com/

Hand made bag and 1980's vintage brooch

 

The day its self was a blur, the fashion’s tent was pumping out the fashionistas like a methodical sweat shop on a conveyer (over 200 strong I hear). The NERVES- I tell you were miserable and with anxiety plus! This was fashion at its most extreme and cutting that number to a severe 5 finalists was shocking to say the least. But what else could two judges accomplish under those circumstances- there was so much colour and amazing vibrancy it burned the retinas. Talk about over whelming! It would have been nice to see interaction with maybe 20 finalists. Questions I would have asked such as, what was your inspiration? did you make the outfit? Who designed the outfit? Or which boutique dressed you? Was there a theme? I think a lot goes on behind the scenes which make an outfit more special. Having a rapport with your design is important and I think it should be shared and rewarded. These are things I would like to know and I’m sure you do too. With the Townsville Cup you couldn’t possibly do this under the time restrictions which is a shame.

Honestly, I have never seen so many fabulous designs. Townsville has lifted its standard above and beyond. But Emma can pick a winner though. Good friend Melissa Prince who is an avid Petticoat Lane seller wore a stunning classic outfit from Vintage Rose. As soon as I saw her I said “You’ve got this”. It was beautifully traditional of course. This girl can dress! Once the stress of judging was over I had a chance to snap a few favourites out on the field.

The lovely Melissa Prince Townsville Classic Race Wear Winner 2011

The absolutely gorgeous Roanne Johnson Townsville Cup Contemporary Winner 2011

Below are a few creative outfits I quickly snapped along the way, please vote for your favourite and go in the draw to win $100 Petticoat Lane voucher. Write your full name, the name of best design in the comments link below and WIN!

Black Beauty

Jewel Glam

Strawberry Sweetness

Lady Leopard

Felt Flower

Mocha Magic

Cute As A Button

Pretty Bellerina

Icon

This rare coral patterned mullet dress just walked through Petticoat Lanes doors. Vintage 1980’s this is one amazing dress! Studibaker Hawk is one of the more flamboyant Australian designer brands who have gained influences from the renowned Punk era. This Brand is known for its “Art-clothes” they have won awards at the AFAs and are highly regarded. So if you’re looking for something different maybe for “innovative wear” this race season this is a winner!

Looks a Finch!

Townsville darling Rachael Finch who we all know replaced Lara Bingle as the face of Speedo has helped give the Australian swimwear brand a more creative stylish edge driving away from its more formal racing designs.  After meeting Rachael’s mum, Colleen, I could see why Rachael is a marketing companies dream- she’s one of those down to earth, savvy women with that wholesome girl-next-door appeal. What you see is what you get and no doubt the brand will be more confidence with our local Miss Universe Finalist than previous ambassador Lara Bingle

Speedo have transformed creative photography into prints, cut bold and tiled into montages in others. Prints that reflect their surrounds whilst offering an idealised glimpse into beach culture.

“You go girl!!”  As Colleen would say;)

Ladies Who Lunch

The Sucrogen Townsville 400 is now an integral part of the North Queensland event calendar. Townsville is just brimming with new and vibrant life- so fantastic to see Townsville as an iconic tourism destination. The event holds the tight 400 km street race over 3 days which also incorporates incredible music acts and the annual Women of V8’s Ladies Longest Lunch held at Rydges Southbank Palmer Street.

Rydges co-coordinator Rachel Finney approached me to do a unique vintage fashion show for their fabulous event to help raise money for a great charity Ronald McDonald House.

With my amazing models on board, hair stylist inspired, Milliner prepared and photographer at the ready we put together a fun day! 150 ladies attended the event which celebrates the women behind the V8’s. These ladies were there not only to enjoy gorgeous food and bubbly but also generously raise money for a great charity

I would like to thank Rydges for inviting me along to this lovely day and CK and Kristy from 106.3 who did an awesome job MC'ing the parade! I would also like to thank the people behind the scenes that made this show happen

The day started with the models getting their hair styled by Fabian Morris of Liberte Hair Shop 2/7 Fletcher Street, Townsville 4810 Phone 07 47755849

Big thank you to all my models Dani Green, Emma Reichhold, Sherie Wilcox, Caitlin Baxter, Brittany Curran and Melissa Prince

Thankyou so much to Melissa Prince for helping with the makeup!

http://www.bridalblitz.com.au/

Those unique vintage inspired fascinators lovingly made by Show Poni Millinery

http://www.showponi.com.au

These absolutely stunning images taken by Grant Perigo Photography

http://grantperigo.com/

www.petticoatlane.com.au