Wednesday 8 August 2012

Memorable Day at the Darwin Cup

 Carolyn and Rob in style at the Cup
With much excitement I attended the 2012 Darwin Cup on Monday, the last time I was there was in 1979, Wow.... It sure has changed! Of course I knew that the Darwin Cup has made it to the national calendar and that 1000's come up to enjoy our delightful dry season weather. It was wonderful to see it all first hand and soak up the atmosphere. My main interest naturally were the HATS. Client Carolyn ( wool beret named in her honour) commissioned me to make her a hat for the Darwin Cup to match her FAB colourful shoes. The result was ' Calypso'. I started with a rare, vintage polished paribuntal straw, blocked and edged with navy satin. The wired 'twirl' and sinamay button echoed the colour of Carolyn's shoes. Im thrilled to say it worked and Carolyn carried the hat beautifully; and very generously went into the Fashions on the Field and best Millinery at the Darwin Cup last Monday. Just days before the Cup, I made a straw navy cap for Rob, Carolyn's husband. Rob carried off the prize for the best dressed man at the Cup ($2000 worth of pearls from Pearl Gallery!) and Carolyn was selected in the finals for best Millinery. Both Carolyn and Rob are in the ABC's photo gallery and they also photographed the BACK of my hat!! Congratulations to Melissa Barnes, another local milliner who took out the over 25 Fashion on the Field; Well done Melissa. Enough words, I captured some of the amazing outfits and hats and I'll let them do the talking.

Finalists in 'Best Millinery' Carolyn wearing 'Calypso' on far right. The black and yellow took out first prize


Line up of finalists in all ladies categories

All categories wating to mount podium for final result

Over 25 category, with Melissa in the green announced as winner

Finals of best dressed man
Local milliner Belinda from Peacock Millinery & Carolyn on podium
Yours truely photographed by the ABC
Helen Dwyer stylish in 'Madi Gras' with Jeremy sporting satin bow tie I made to co-ordinate with Helen's outfit










Rebecca wearing hat named after her with Chris ready for Darwin Cup
Carolyn and I in line for the millinery nomination