A Rodarte steal and milliner wizardry: The hurdles of race day fashion

Macikova raided her wardrobe for the finishing touches, producing a look reminiscent of French racegoers in the ’70s. Her lucky streak continued when Sydney’s lockdown lifted on the deadline day for entry submissions.

“I had time to get my hair and nails done. After the photo my legs were killing me. I had forgotten how much it hurts to stand in heels.”

Peta Bell, Vic

Dress, Lainie Brookman; Hat, Eve til Dawn; Bag, Olga Berg; Shoes, Daizy

“I love the Fashions on the Field community,” said Petra Bell, 31, from Teasdale, near Geelong. “We call ourselves a squad and even plan holidays together. We try to meet up and be super supportive of each other.”

Lockdown restrictions led to delays with Bell receiving the fabric for her custom-made dress, along with cancelled fittings but it was a welcome distraction from the challenges faced in her role as an occupational therapist.

“People have really struggled. These have been tough times,” she said.

An unexpected moment of joy was when Bell found a milliner willing to take a raffia bag that she had found in a Geelong op shop and transform it into her striking spring headpiece. “I design all of my entries and love working with small business to create something that you will never find on the rack.”

Luke Faulkner, Qld

Jacket, Bell & Barnett; Pants, Zara; Shirt, Tarocash; Shoes, Oxford; Tie & Lapel Pin, OTAA; Pocket Square, H&M

For sports clothing manufacturer Luke Faulkner, 39, entering a photograph in Fashions on Your Front Lawn is much easier than dealing with the lingering trauma of taking part in a racewear contest at the Launceston Cup 16 years ago.

“Being from Queensland I was pretty full of myself and thought that I had it in the bag. I got nowhere and swore I wouldn’t do it again. Then the opportunity to enter with a photograph came up last year and I thought, ‘why not?’”

Despite considerable experience as a professional model, Faulkner missed out on a final’s selection last year, so he was surprised to make the cut with this entry. “It was quite rushed in the end. I just threw it together and got my wife to take the pictures.”

Unlike his female counterparts who look to custom dresses and designer labels, Faulkner relied on high street brands to complete his look. “When you work in the fashion game you learn that it’s not about the label. You don’t have to spend big to look good.”

Emma Wells, ACT

Dress, Only One Ashley; Hat, Amelda; Shoes, Novo; Clutch, Olga Berg

“I had to take photos on my balcony. That was my front lawn,” says ACT finalist Emma Wells, who submitted her entry during Canberra’s lockdown.

Loading

“There were a few delays, with my dress coming from Perth and my milliner having difficulties sourcing materials,” Wells, 38, said. “And then I had to forget about getting my hair and make-up done professionally.”

Working in wildlife trade for the Department of Environment, Wells sought inspiration from imagery of Australia.

“In Canberra I am surrounded by reminders of our past, present and ideas about our future. I wanted to capture that.”

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.