The Albury Cup is much more than a just horse race and is clearly one of the most fabulous days in the social diaries of those in the know in the river district. 

The glamour stakes kicked off with the Albury Gold Cup Charity Luncheon on Thursday and although not officially a Fashions on the Field event it was definitely a day for dressing up and the ladies were out in fashion force. It was a preview of what to expect the following day and the contestants in Myer Fashions on the Field put on a fashion show! Bright colours turned heads and the elegant combination of caramel and black provided an elegant edge.

The results of Fashions on the Field would indicate that all it takes to join the fashion elite is to see red! The winner, Angela Munz, made her own outfit of a 50’s style check dress in many hues of red complete with a hat modelled on her mum’s cake tin.  Runner up Monica Niederegger was resplendent in raspberry and rosettes.

The festivities over the two days unveiled a new millinery phenomenon – the hatenator. Not quite a hat but more substantial than a fascinator – this new fashion initiative stole the show track side and was a chic solution to the ongoing what to wear on your head argument.

This Saturday it is time to slip on your finest pair of show stopper shoes for Golden Slipper Day. While the action on the track includes the worlds richest race for two year olds the race trackside to be crowned most fashionable will be just as hotly contested. There is much fun to be had once dressed up in your finery so it is worth making the effort to frock up and make the most of this fabulous fashion day.

Looking good at the track is more than just a great outfit it is about your overall ‘look’. Autumn is a great time to experiment with stronger looks in makeup but remember that a day spent in direct sunlight brings with it some cosmetic requirements. To keep yourself looking gorgeous make sure you have all the necessary items for a mini midday makeover. Pack testers if possible to save space in your hand bag.

The finals of Myer Women’s Fashions on the Field will bring out the best in the most fashionable of fillies and the men will also have their chance to strut their stuff in the Men’s Fashions on the Field event.

For those intending to compete here are the basic guidelines of what the judges will be looking for on the day; style and originality, appropriateness of the outfit (for Autumn Racing, the Golden Slipper Festival and the individual), attention to detail (appropriate headwear is essential) and an understanding of current fashion trends. So start flexing your fashion muscles – search for the perfect accessories, practice your posing, polish your shoes, start buffing your nails and make your bedtime reading Vogue.

The National Young Designer Awards final will shine the spotlight on up and coming fashion talent in Australia – the amazing prizes have brought out the best in this talented group of finalists and will give fashion followers an opportunity to see some of the designers of the future – remember their names!

Bring your autograph books as Slipper Day will also be a great one for celebrity spotting as a melting pot mixture of dazzling identities are rumoured to be heading to Rosehill (Jennifer Hawkins, ironman Ky Hurst, singer Ricki-Lee, NRL star Benji Marshall and cast members from Underbelly just to name a few).

The race is on!