Bega District News’ sales manager Aimee Hay is very “fashion forward”.
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Being ‘on trend and on point’ was one of the judges’ criteria during the Goulburn stage of the Country Championships fashions on the field contest that saw the Tathra local take out the top prize.
Ms Hay was declared the winner at Goulburn on Saturday afternoon after qualifying to compete by winning the fashions at the Bega Cup Carnival at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club on February 5.
Taking out the top spot on the day netted Ms Hay $5000 in prizes and the right to compete at the Country Championship fashions final in Randwick, Sydney, in April.
“I was really excited to win at the Bega Cup and even more thrilled to get to represent the Far South Coast,” Ms Hay said.
However, she said she had never been to the Goulburn races and wasn’t sure what to expect from the opposition.
“I really didn’t think I had any chance of winning,” she said. “When I arrived at the racecourse I met some of the other entrants and could tell straight away they were regular competitors … they had the outfits to prove it.”
“So it hadn’t even sunk in that I could earn the right to represent the entire South East at Randwick.”
However, Ms Hay stood out from the crowd, wearing a bold black and floral embroidered dress with gold accents and a custom-designed leather perching fascinator.
Meanwhile, her rivals all wore more muted pastel tones and full A-line skirts.
The judges praised Ms Hay’s more fitted silhouette dress and her use of varied textures and vibrant colours.
Ms Hay now has about six weeks to get ready to compete in the event finale on April 1, a much better timeframe than the two weeks she had between the Bega Cup and Goulburn race meets.
“I am glad to have more time to be able to prepare and plan for the Randwick races,” Ms Hay said with a laugh. “It was a real race to be ready in time for Goulburn.”
Comments on the day have also given her some insight on how to dress for the Sydney event.
“It was good that the judges told us what they were looking for, knowing the focus is on upcoming fashion trends will help me to plan an outfit to take on Sydney.”
She said she was delighted to win the Goulburn round, but knew the competition would be fierce at Randwick, and plans are underway to create a striking look.
“I know I will have to stand out in the crowd and wear something memorable, so I’m hoping to make a statement with my outfit,” she said.