Angela Massey is putting Raglan on the Art Deco fashion map with a win at the Cambridge Races contemporary fashion in the field competition.
The races last Friday marked the centenary of the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Harness Incorporated Racing Club and race-goers were judged in five categories for their Art Deco-inspired outfits.
A deco aficionado and avid costume collector, Angela knew the competition was right up her alley.
“I love doing dress ups. I have a lot of vintage and dress ups costumes in my wardrobe. A lot of people in Raglan know that and come and borrow costumes off me,” she says.
With the help of friends Trish Bush for the loan of a parasol and hat, and Colleen at Raglan shop Dixie Pearl who loaned her a bag, Angela came up with the winning look.
“Everything was vintage or op shop – nothing was bought from a high-end fashion shop.”
The fashion in the field contestants were narrowed down to finalists by roving judges and Angela was given a ticket to join the final fashion parade in the over-25 category.
“I saw these beautiful girls walking over and I said to them you look beautiful and they said so do you and handed me the ticket to go into the finals. So, they were the judges – I didn’t know that. I wasn’t buttering them up I genuinely thought they looked fabulous,” she laughs.
Around 30 people were put through their paces in a fashion show with the top three from each category selected.
“Lo and behold I was chosen, I didn’t expect that.”
As well as the winner’s sash, she received a bottle of Mumm Champagne, some chocolate and hair products.
Angela knew from the first race it was going to be a great night after winning over $100 on a rank outsider with a $4 bet.
“Before I even got the tickets for the fashion finals, I had won $135,” she laughs.
Janine Jackson
