Albertini designer Adriana Dent reveals how Darwin Cup Carnival ambassador Bronte Pearson’s break from tradition

The 2024 Darwin Cup ambassador will flaunt a ‘boundary pushing’ design never seen on the Top End stage, combining a contemporary cut with a touch of Territory flare. Meet the designer behind the look.

Bronte Pearson at the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival Derby Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

This year’s Darwin Cup ambassador will flaunt a ‘boundary pushing’ design never seen on the Top End stage, combining a contemporary cut with a touch of Northern Territory flare.

Designer Adriana Dent said Darwin Cup Carnival ambassador Bronte Pearson would be “pushing the boundaries” with her Monday outfit breaking from the traditional Fashions of the Field style.

While keeping the full details of the garment under wraps, Ms Dent said Ms Pearson would be hitting the field in a three-piece outfit — rather than the conventional “feminine style dress”.

Darwin fashion designer and Albertini owner Adriana Dent.

“It’s something that’s very on trend at the moment, so its not completely unusual but we’ve not seen it here before,” Ms Dent said.

The Albertini owner said Ms Pearson was the “perfect match” for the contemporary design, reflecting the outfit’s elegance, professionalism and unique flare.

“Bronte is just a perfect fit to pull it together to carry it off,” she said.

“It’s raising the bar, but it’s not an unachievable look that she’s too far removed from reality.

“She’s a confident woman…her personality carries the design equally.”

Race favourite Bear Story, trained by Neil Dyer, with Darwin Cup Carnival ambassador Bronte Pearson ahead of the 2024 Darwin Cup. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Dent said the ensemble would feature a dupion silk print commissioned from the award-winning textile makers at Bábbarra Women’s Centre.

Ms Dent said she wanted to keep the colours and the print’s Arnhem Land ancestral story a surprise — to let Ms Pearson and her garment speak for themselves.

She said while there was no official theme for this year’s Fashions on the Field, the Cup was always a celebration of colour and Darwin’s own designers and artists.

Bronte Pearson at the 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival Derby Day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Dent said she expected this year’s Fashion on the Field competition to feature many classic shapes emphasising unique prints, while on-trend designs like “fit and flare” nipped in waists and A-line skirts and long sleeve gowns were also likely to grace the stage.

Registration for men’s and ladies’ heats open at 10.45am and close at 11.50am ahead of competition from 11.55am and the overall final at 1.45pm.

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Grant Dewsbury said Monday’s Great Northern Darwin Cup Day marked the end of “seven days of successful races so far”.

Despite having to close Centerfield due to lower ticket sales, Mr Dewsbury said horse numbers were up compared to last year while “bumper” crowd sizes were still expected for the main day.

“Pre-sales were slightly down on the prior year, but people seem to be turning up on the day,” he said.

Mr Dewsbury said while general economic conditions, cost of living pressures and the availability of Darwin flights had put a dampener on interstate visitor numbers, Territorians were still supporting the event with 9000 people expected to join Monday’s festivities.

He said the main attraction of the day would be the $200,000 race that stops the Top End at 5.30pm, with all eyes on the standout “hot favourite”, Bear Story.

“I think it’s one of the shortest price favourites going around the Darwin Cup for some time,” he said.

Gates open at 9am ahead of the first race at 11.52am.

General admission and reciprocal members’ tickets are still available to purhcase online, though all other allocations are exhausted.

FASHION ON THE FIELD

Contestants will be judged on:

•Style and originality

•Appropriateness of the outfit for the day

•Appropriateness of the outfit for the individual

•Attention to detail with accessories

•Understanding and interpretation of current fashion trends

•Suitability for Darwin Racing

•Grooming and deportment

•Wearing appropriate millinery

Originally published as Albertini designer Adriana Dent reveals how Darwin Cup Carnival ambassador Bronte Pearson’s break from tradition