Stylist Mikey Walton took out third place at the inaugural men’s Fashions on the Field.
Camera IconStylist Mikey Walton took out third place at the inaugural men’s Fashions on the Field. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Men’s fashion in Perth Racing Autumn Carnival spotlight

Kaylee MartinSouthern Gazette

HISTORY was made last Saturday when Perth’s most stylish men had the chance to step out on stage and compete in the Autumn Fashions on the Field.

The 2016 Perth Racing Autumn Carnival at Ascot Racecourse invited both genders to put their best foot forward on stage and showcase their attire for the first time in WA history.

Como-based fashion stylist Mikey Walton told Southern Gazette he was glad men’s fashion was finally being acknowledged at the event.

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“We are a nation constantly fighting for equality and women’s rights, it would be odd if we didn’t recognise men’s fashion on the same scale as women’s,” he said.

“Women definitely put a lot of time and effort into perfecting their looks for race day, but so do a lot of men.”

Held in a VIP marquee, winners were selected by a judging panel featuring some of Perth’s most prominent names in fashion including Fashion Council WA creative director Mariella Harvey-Hanrahan, Cabinet Noir owner Edward Maradona and winner of the 2015 Fashions of the Field Mildred Ellwood.

Walton – director of personal styling business Stylespiration – took out third place in the inaugural men’s competition.

“My suit was all polka dots, so I played with the pattern and distracted its focus with an orange tie and coloured lapel pin,” Walton explained.

“The races are meant to be fun and people love patterns and colours.

“But it’s best to always be tasteful; no one wants to see a bright red suit out there.”

Walton said he was impressed with the calibre of male participants.

“Considering it was the very first time there was a men’s section, a lot of men made effort,” he said.

“Navy suiting was definitely the go-to for the majority of men competing and a lot of them opted for a three piece suit which was bold considering the warmer weather.”