Griffith milliner Elizabeth Paterson returned to dominate the 2025 CopRice Leeton Cup Fashions on the Field by taking out the Most Fashionable Lady in striking cobalt blue.

Elizabeth had won the millinery category in last year’s event but returned with a striking whimsical rose headpiece and dress ensemble she had sat up all night to finish to outclass a strong field of competitors.

The 2025 Fashions on the Field drew competitors from as far as Canberra and were judged by Jeff and Nicole Shaw and Donna Hillier, with Greg De Paoli and Rob Hillier as hosts.

Ms Paterson wore a headpiece in cobalt blue, black and white to match her floral dress, cobalt blue fur wrap, and matching gloves, handbag and shoes in cobalt blue.

She travels many kilometres and visits many racetracks to pursue her passion of competing in Fashions on the Field and showcasing her millinery designs.

A nurse, Elizabeth works in Wangaratta and had competed in the Deniliquin Fashions on the Field on ANZAC Day before driving to Griffith to sit up late into the night adding the finishing touches to her Leeton ensemble.

“I found the fabric first, then designed the outfit – each little flower is made with a hair straightener, glue and lots of patience,” she said.

“I love the fabric and just wanted to enhance it by collecting pieces along the way, and I finally had the chance to put it all together. It’s a labour of love and I love putting it all together – it takes around an hour and half to get ready, with the headpiece going on in the carpark.”

“I’m grateful for Leeton Jockey Club hosting a great meeting today.”

Sally Martin travelled from Canberra to defend her 2024 Most Fashionable Lady title and took out the millinery award with a black hat adorned with brown, black and turquoise feathers designed to match her black gold and turquoise dress.

The Best Dressed Girl Under 12 was hotly contested with seven-year-old Marlie Taylor, of Leeton, named as the winner. Joel Taylor, 12, of Leeton, won the Best Dressed Boy under 12.

Warren Cochrane, of Corbie Hill, returned to reclaim his title of Best Dressed Gent in a beige suit with orange vest and tie, and lilac buttonhole and handkerchief. He then teamed up with his wife Rhonda, dressed in bright orange dress, with orange and lilac headpiece, lilac earrings and clutch, to win the Most Stylish Couple.

Debbie Hone and Piper Douglas, of Leeton, won the Best Dressed Family category.

Isabella Mercuri returned to successfully defend her title of Best Dressed Local Lady, wearing a fitted dress she had specially embroidered locally for her with flowers in autumn tones. The outfit was topped off with a navy hat with hot pink roses, navy gloves, hot pink shoes and an exquisite handbag decorated with flowers.

This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 8 May 2025.