Anna Hildebrandt from Secret Harbour has been crowned the winner of the prestigious WA Fashions on the Field Final, held at the Crown Perth Winterbottom Race Day at Ascot Racecourse.
The weekend's competition saw 12 finalists from across the State battle it out for the ultimate prize including a racing holiday for two with Motive Travel, $10,000 spending money from TABtouch and $5,000 worth of jewellery from Linneys' Jewellers.
Ms Hildebrandt made her claim in the Final after winning the metropolitan and Peel Fashions off the Field 'iso-edit' heat in June 2020.
After winning the esteemed State title, Ms Hildebrandt said she was humbled by the experience.
"It's incredible, I am absolutely astonished, I'm speechless really. All the finalists are amazing, it was a very hard job for the judges," Ms Hildebrandt said.
Ms Hildebrandt said that her winning outfit was inspired by all things vintage.
"I'm a big lover of vintage, I love the 70's, and when I found this piece online, I knew I just had to have it and it just brought everything together."
When asked what she loved most about racing and Fashions on the Field, Ms Hildebrandt highlighted it was the people involved.
"The comradery with all the girls, we are all just so close. About seven of these ladies I didn't know before this weekend and now I'm best friends with them. Just having that mateship, drinking bubbles and having a punt, it's awesome."
Second place was taken out by Brooke Scott representing Kalgoorlie after winning the Hannans Handicap fashions event, and third place was won by Holly Keily who took out the Moora Cup Fashions on the Field.
Any female winner of a Fashions on the Field competition held at a WA thoroughbred race club, and each virtual Fashions off the Field iso-edit heat winner, was able to nominate themselves for the 2020 WA Fashions on the Field Final.
A Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) judging panel then selected the top ten finalists to compete at today's State Final. A further two contestants, Holly Kiely and Amy Evans, the winners of heats held at Moora Cup and Ascot Racecourse Opening Day respectively, were voted to the Final by way of a public vote.
The Final was panelled by a stellar line-up of judges including Perth socialites Tayla Damir and Amy Zempilas, lifestyle blogger Ashleigh Jade, Suited Events Managing Director Simon Crossland and Community TAB's Matthew Thomas.
RWWA's General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said Fashions on the Field has an important place in Western Australian racing.
"Originally introduced in 1962 to attract more women to the races, race day fashion and Fashions on the Field competitions across the country have become symbiotic with racing," Ms Mills said.
"Today's finalists have captured the essence of race day fashion with style, creativity and attention to detail."
"I would like to congratulate today's finalists and of course our winner Anna Hildebrandt, in what was a very strong field of contestants this year."
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
