Italiano secures her second fashions sash

LOCAL Ashlee Italiano is crushing the Fashions on the Field (FOTF) world one stilettoed step at a time.

Mrs Italiano recently won the Albany Racing Club’s Ladies’ Day FOTF event with a beautiful pink and green ensemble.

In 2021, she won the Collie Race Club’s overall prize and went on to place second in the state titles at Ascot Racecourse.

Mrs Italiano said the win in Albany would usually qualify for a spot in the state titles, however this year’s event was cancelled due to lack of funding.

“It means nothing, but it was still a great experience,” she said.

Mrs Italiano said the win in Albany was like winning at a “home away from home”, as her family has holidayed in the city for many years.

“It was a beautiful cool day and it was really well organised,” she said.

Despite the glamour of the hobby, Mrs Italiano said competing in FOTF does not need to be expensive.

“My philosophy is that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to look good,” she said.

“Your dress doesn’t need to be designer - if you love it, are confident and feel beautiful in it then wear it.”

Mrs Italiano won her 2021 prizes with a dress from ASOS, and won in Albany with a dress from Shein. Both are budget-friendly companies.

“Confidence shines more on a catwalk than any brand name,” she said.

Mrs Italiano’s FOTF adventures have also taken her to Pinjarra, York, Narrogin and Mount Barker.

She said she sticks to towns that are within driving distance so she can travel with her young family.

Mrs Italiano and her husband Stephen have two daughters - Emily, aged three-and-a-half, and five-month-old Olivia. She said Stephen had a stroll on the catwalk in Albany, but it’s “not his cup of tea”.

“He came to support, and we tagteamed with Olivia,” she said.

“If it wasn’t for Stephen, I wouldn’t be able to go. It is so important to have your own time, and we support each other with that.”

Mrs Italiano will compete in Pinjarra on February 18.