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