One of the first events of the racing calendar is in fact one of the biggest, with the 2017 Balaklava Cup on Wednesday September 13, set to attract thousands to the Balaklava Race Club for a big day of racing.
To celebrate the annual event, each year the Balaklava Race Club selects a Face of the Cup. Previous years have seen model Stephanie Robertson and former jockey and Sky Racing commentator Libby Hopwood, but this year the Face is Kristen Byass, one half of the dynamic duo behind The Adelaidian.
The local blog is a go-to for all things Adelaide lifestyle and fashion, with co-editors Kristen Byass and Melissa Zahorujko never missing one of Adelaide's many events!
As a lover of fashion and a day at The Races, Kristen is well suited to the position of Face of the Balaklava Cup. We caught up with Kristen to get the low-down on her exciting role.
What are you looking forward to the most at the Balaklava Cup?
Part of my role as Face of the Balaklava Cup for 2017 is to be on the judging panel for the Fashion at The Races competition. I've always loved the fashion aspect of the races, and am super excited to be part of the competition this year!
What’s your favourite part about a day at The Races?
I love getting dressed up and spending all day outside, drinking and eating with friends. It's such a relaxing break from the work week.
What are you looking to wear to Cup Day?
Australian Fashion Labels are creating some beautiful, flowing dresses right now so I'm thinking about wearing one of those! I've always loved all the boater hats and big wide-brimmed sunhats, so Rosebud Millinery is making me a cute piece to wear on the day.
What other Racing events have you been to?
I've been to loads of racing events in South Australia, like Adelaide Cup, Derby Day and Oaks Day, as well as a few interstate like Sofitel Girl's Day Out in Melbourne.
Kristen Byass and Melissa Zahorujko at Morphettville
What would be your top 3 fashion tips for the ladies heading to Balaklava?
Fashion is all about detail right now. Beautiful embroidery, delate lace patterns and textured fabrics are going to be all the rage at the races this year. Make sure you always bring a coat to Balaklava though, as it's in the country and it can get pretty chilly up there! Finally, never wear stilettos to the races, because you will have to walk on grass and you will lose a shoe. Block heels are the way to go.
Do you have any good style tips for the gentlemen as well?
Men often overlook accessories, but they can make a plain suit or shirt into something really special. Cufflinks, tie pins and pocket squares are all really easy and affordable ways to make an everyday suit into a raceday hit.
What advice do you have for those looking to enter Fashion at The Races?
Don't look at what everyone else is doing, because if you want to win Fashion at the Races you need to stand out from the crowd. We have some amazing milliners in South Australia, and one of the best ways to stand out is with a beautifully crafted, original headpiece!
The Balaklava Cup is on Wednesday, September 13. For more info on the event, tickets and how to get there, head to the Balaklava page on The Races SA Website.
All images sourced from The Adelaidian
