Mackay’s racing fashion thrives during lockdown

Frocked up in lockdown: Why Mackay designers are getting race ready during the coronavirus pandemic

Raceway fashion has moved online with Mackay resident Karlee Box taking part in the Virtual Fashions Off The Field competition. Ms Box was dressed by Anna Dutton in a leopard print dress with faux fur stole

IT WOULD take more than a global pandemic to stop Anna Dutton from getting ready for the races.

The clubs and tracks may be closed, but the award-winning Andergrove designer has found a new way to share her raceway fashion.

Ms Dutton has joined hundreds of fellow fashionistas to enter some of the online fashion competitions that have popped up during the pandemic.

Raceway fashion has moved online with Andergrove resident Anna Dutton taking part in the Virtual Fashions Off The Field competition. Ms Dutton wore a black and white outfit she had created and her hat was made by Crazy Tea Pot.

Last month, she and 140 other women competed in three rounds of the Virtual Fashions Off The Field, by sending in photos of their racing frocks and accessories.

"It really is a good excuse to dress up," Ms Dutton said.

"It's something to look forward to while we can't go out.

"And it's a challenge for me to look at what I had and reinvent things."

Raceway fashion has moved online with Andergrove resident Anna Dutton taking part in the Virtual Fashions Off The Field competition. Ms Dutton created both her hat and her teal and wine velvet dress.

Designer likes to keep it real

Meet the 7 nominees vying for Mackay Turf Girl title

Couture designer to reveal new collection at festival

The online platform meant entries came in from across the country, and Ms Dutton said she was now considering entering international competitions.

It is a critical boost to the bridal designer's morale, after the pandemic savaged her business.

"Fashion is the first to suffer when people don't have spare funds," Ms Dutton said.

Raceway fashion has moved online with Mackay resident Felicity Huxhagen taking part in the Virtual Fashions Off The Field competition. Ms Huxhagen wore a floral velvet dress made by Anna Dutton Couture and her millinery was from Hats By Helen.

While others in lockdown might struggle to get out of their pyjamas, Ms Dutton said the elaborate fashion show was helping her through the crisis.

"Fashion is my life," she said.

Raceway fashion has moved online with Andergrove resident Anna Dutton taking part in the Virtual Fashions Off The Field competition. Ms Dutton wore a hat and pink floral dress with blue spot tulle she made herself.

"Even putting on some red lipstick helps lift my mood.

"(And) It's helping other ladies in this tough time."

The fashion community remains hopeful, Ms Dutton said, with some people already placing orders for their Melbourne Cup outfits, for November.

Follow @ZiziAverill

Originally published as