COUTURE
Grand National Winter Fashion on The Field judges Kia Dirkson, Rebecca Stewart, Matt Anderson, and Elizabeth Charleston. Illustration by Stacey Rose.
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER
W Kia Dirkson, Fashion & Beauty Editor @kiatheamerican
e are free from the confines of Some would have you believe that the races lockdown, so who is ready to dress are about horse racing. We know it’s really about their best? I know I am. I entered the hats, headpieces, fascinators – whatever my first all American beauty pageant at the you wish to call them. tender age of four. This (and ballet, of course) It’s a time-honoured tradition. Back in the was just a part of the landscape growing up in day, it became a way for a lady to display her America at the time. Fast forward to 2021; I find status and taste. In this day and age it is still myself judging at the annual Grand National a firm tradition in the racing scene and one Winter Fashion in the Field event at Riccarton that needs to be honoured. Park. My fellow judges and I (a stunning group And so, for Couture this issue, we bring of fashionistas in their own right) were tasked you a trio of the most skilled milliners, all with selecting the Best Dressed man and based right here in Ōtautahi. Maria Wright woman on the day, and in doing so, completing Millinery offers us classical whimsy, Mad a full package of pageantry for me – a most as a Hatter’s Suzi Copeland’s bespoke fashionable benchmark! beauties are truly timeless, and Roz I am looking forward to stylishly slipping Willmott-Dalton’s meticulously structured into the season of spring. And with the creations are the best of the best when warmer weather comes lighter textiles, bold it comes to the true talent of millinery in colours, and events that are a bit more Canterbury. So don your hat, and head off fashion-friendly, such as Cup Week. to the races! STYLE TIP
Not keen to make a heavy head investment? All of our selected milliners offer ready-made hats to hire for any occasion.
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