HER beaded, swarovski crystal encrusted turban was fashionable – but it also had a meaning far deeper than that.
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Cancer survivor Renay Dwyer was proving that women who had gone through chemo therapy and lost their hair were still beautiful and could flaunt fashion.
The millinery looks at Ballarat’s Fashion on the Fields were diverse, bold and stunning.
Ms Dwyer said the turban design reflected her English-Indian heritage and her survival from cancer.
“The style is a 1940’s vintage design – I wanted to go for that glamorous look,” Ms Dwyer said.
“It’s made out of jinsin fabric and it (the turban) purposefully covers all the head.
“It’s in support of the women who have to deal with wearing (head covers) when they are living with cancer.”
Ms Dwyer is recovering from cervical cancer while her sister is currently being treated for breast cancer.
Fashionista Joanne Maillet proved hats can be made out of anything – wearing a striking perspex piece.
“It’s made by Jo Maree Millinery and is inspired by the Audrey Hepburn era,” Ms Maillet said.
The clear, black and red piece had a wide structured brim and was completed with a round, fabric top decorated with red beading.
Ms Maillet said the piece, while slightly heavy, was easy to wear and had received countless compliments.
Geelong’s Allie Guy was celebrating her 20th birthday in style – wearing her own millinery and clothing designs.
The bold red, white and black fabric with a striking tulip pattern was purchased from Spotlight.
The matching headwear –made by House of Dawn – stuck to the red and black themes.
“The outfit took me a couple of weeks to put together,” Ms Guy said.
“The fashion here is so nice and colourful.”
Judge Jules Zass commented on the quality of the headwear.
“Crowns are popular this year -as a flower crowns as well as many different fabrics,” Ms Zass said.
“We’ve seen perspex, vinyl and leather used – laser cut headpieces are also popular.”
Ms Zass said many competitors had continued the Melbourne Cup Carnival trends of florals and garlands.
Geelong’s Jasmin Fitzgerald was eventually announced the winner for her Kylie McLean headpiece.
The floral structured piece combined leather and lace with a netting and a pastel look.
“I really love the style of a boater (hat) but I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off so we created a bit of different look,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“We’re very happy.”
