Queenslander Carle Rutledge has taken the crown at the Oaks Day Fashion on the Field, stunning the judges with a feathered burgundy dress and self-made headpiece. After entering the competition several times, Carle was crowned the winner of the Myer event at the Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday.
The 38-year-old looked sensational in the burgundy, yellow and navy dress by fashion brand Roksanda for the occasion, which she teamed with a yellow bag and heels, and a hat she made herself. Roksanda is said to be one of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s favourite brands. She kept her make-up and hair relatively simple and swept her golden locks into a sophisticated bun.
Carle told Starts at 60 her outfit, a combination of silk and feathered detailing, “felt like a tribute to [the] 1920s era with a contemporary edgy”.
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“I don’t ever look this dressed up [at work]. I grew up in outback Queensland so this is all very flash for me. But I have always had an interest in fashion and follow trends,” she also told Canberra Times . “I’m a bargain hunter, this is an expensive dress but the other pieces are more affordable.”
Speaking about her victory, Carle added: “It’s insane and exciting. It’s the top thing you want to achieve [in Fashions on the Field].”
The standout outfit has won her a variety of prizes including a new Lexus vehicle worth more than $50,000 and several Myer vouchers.
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New South Wales Sales Manager Kellie Louise took out second place, wowing judges in a monochrome ensemble. It included a black skirt and white top from Australian fashion designer Toni Matičevski, and a coordinating hat from Stephanie Spencer Millinery.
Third place went to Elis Crewes from NSW, who turned heads in a mustard-yellow Acler skirt and top. She teamed her look with a pair of blue Tony Bianco heels, a matching bag and hat from Zorza Goodman millinery.
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While Melbourne Cup brought out more traditional racing outfits on Tuesday, fashion took a more vibrant turn on Oaks Day with the likes of Australian jockey Michelle Payne wowing crowds. Looking absolutely gorgeous, the 2015 Melbourne Cup Winner wore a bright yellow and orange halter dress with a pleated skirt, which she paired with simple nude heels and a gold and orange headpiece.
The 33-year-old kept jewellery to a minimum, opting for a gold bangle and dangly earrings to complete the look.