WHO SAID YOU CAN’T WEAR A LAMPSHADE HAT TO A FASHION EVENT IN AUSTRALIA?

Angela Menz with father Lloyd

The Rosehill Gardens “Mad About The Hat Day” brought out hat lovers in Sydney Australia.

Menz, a young milliner, was more interested in the drama of the day, estimating she has invested thousands of dollars and many hours on her ensembles.

Ms Menz adhered to the latest trend for wide-brimmed sculptural and vintage-inspired headwear, making her own lampshade-style hat and 1950s dress from Bangkok sourced lace.

She dressed her father in a grey suit, corsage and fedora that she created using iron-on transfers of a 1932 photograph of the legendary Phar Lap winning at Agua Caliente, Mexico.

Ms Menz lost to Ms Geddes, whose vintage hat and 1960s floral Elizabeth Arden dress won over judges, including Miss Universe Australia Laura Dundovic.

Dressed in a fitted, white-cape sleeved Charlie Brown dress with a Donny Galella black headpiece, Miss Dundovic said classy, traditional racewear received her nod.

"It is not about being sexy at the races. It is more about being classy," Miss Dundovic said.

This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/09/13/1220857901476.html The Sydney Australia The Sun-Herald - Sydney,New South Wales, Australia