Dylan Arvela
There were a number of racegoers dressed to impress for the Fashions on the Field on Moe Cup Day.
Four categories proved up for grabs, including best dressed lady, and gentleman, best millinery and best couple.
Emma Scodellaro claimed the sash for the second year in succession in the best dressed lady category thanks to her elegant flamingo pink ensemble.
She was delighted to take out the category at an event she holds close to her heart.
“I am thrilled to win, I have driven all the way from Greenvale, but my mum lives in Dandenong so this is not too far from her place,” she said.
“We just love Moe Cup because it is quite local for mum and it is always a great excuse to get dressed up and have a great day out.”
Ms Scodellaro said the look was a long time in the making requiring a number of delicate details to come together.
“This outfit took about nine months to put together,” she explained.
“I bought the dress off the runway, my milliner made my Dior brim and she said a nice brooch would look lovely.
“So of course I had to get a Christian Dior brooch and then I found the shoes and the bag and it all come together.
The Melburnian planned to back up her Moe Cup Day win with a few more events around the state.
“I am actually going to the races every day for the next three days and I will wear a different outfit each day. I just love dressing up,” she said.
“I have a whole group of friends who love catching up, we are going to Caulfield and also the Seymour Cup.
“I have won (various) Fashions on the Field before, I came third on Oaks Day with this outfit and as I won here last year I had to bring a nice outfit out.”
Ben Carbonaro was the best dressed gentlemen with his sophisticated country-inspired get up securing a first win at Moe Cup.
“I tried to have a bit more of a country look with the boot, some chinos, jacket and a shirt and tie,” he said.
“I wasn’t sure about the weather so I tried to go for something darker and still get a bit of colour in there as well.
“It is all Australian and I am wearing the country racing flower, the leucadendron safari sunset, it doesn’t get promoted as much as it should be and I will be wearing it at Seymour over the weekend.”
Newborough husband and wife Mandy and Laurie Fanning won best couple.
Mrs Fanning led the way with an eye-catching red, floral outfit which was complement by her husband’s matching tie with traditional suit.
“We have been married for 44 years and this is a first for us,” Mrs Fanning, who is also a milliner, said.
“We go to the Moe Cup every year, we were told not many have entered so we thought why not.
“The outfits were bought for last year’s Spring Carnival and we wore them at the Melbourne Cup.”
Kiara Manning was graced with the first sash of the day when she won best millinery for her intricate rose red piece designed by Hatricks by Michelle.
“I am a little bit cold, but I am over the moon,” Ms Manning said.
“I always find what she does to be absolutely gorgeous.”
