Local woman, Emma Wells, has won the prestigious ‘Harrolds Fashion Chute’, during the Moet and Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day at Royal Randwick, on Saturday.
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I still can't believe I have won, it is just too much to take in, it doesn't seem real
- Emma Wells
The insurance broker from Young won the competition, with prizes to the value of over $10,000, wearing a navy blue, polka dot dress, red shoes and a vintage-inspired hat and veil.
Her touch of gold, the theme of the day, was the chain of her red Yves Saint Laurent handbag.
Ms Wells has entered racing fashion competitions before but was shocked to come away with the top prize during her first Sydney races.
"I just feel so lucky," Ms Wells said. “I can’t believe I have won, it is all just too much to take in, It doesn’t seem real.”
Ms Wells says she regularly attends race meetings and has shares in two racehorses.
Her dress was custom made for her in Young, and the design was inspired by a dress that was worn by ‘Suits’ actress Abigail Spencer to the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“I showed the design to a friend of mine in Canberra, who is a Milliner and she had some input into the dress as well as the hat.” Ms Wells said.
Ms Wells grew up in Harden and said she now lives on a cherry farm in Wombat and loves going to the races as it gives her the opportunity to explore her love of fashion.
“The competition has changed format this year, it is now more of a photo competition.” Ms Well said.
“I found the judging process much easier this year, as we weren’t standing around waiting to be judged, we got to enjoy the actual races much more.”
“The process now involves sitting for photos and then choosing the one you want to submit for judging.” Ms Wells said.
“If you are chosen to be one of the 12 finalists, you receive a text asking you to come to the stage. The 12 are then narrowed down to three, and eventually the winner is announced.”
Ms Wells said that her award-winning ensemble will now be hung in her wardrobe until she gets an opportunity to wear it again.
“The Melbourne Cup is coming up, I may get a chance to wear it then.” Ms Wells said.
“But then again, I may become inspired again and have to have something totally new.”