Angela Menz has been a regular at fashions on the field right across Australia. She has competed successfully at the highest level for the past 10 years wearing all of her own designs- both millinery and clothing.
She has taken out many prestigious titles at major race meetings including Derby Day at Royal Randwick, Golden Slipper day at Rosehill, Blue Diamond stakes at Caulfield and Ladies Day at Eagle Farm. In 2011 she took out the country’s most sought title, being crowned the national winner of Fashions on the field at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.
Currently based in Melbourne working in footwear, she earned a degree in fashion design from the Canberra Institute of Technology. She has a keen eye and love for fashion, with a strong interest in fashion history. Yet she always understands and applies the latest fashion trends into her design work.
Angela Menz is well known for a strong sense of colour and ability to create a total look.
We are so happy to have had the chance to sit and talk with her about her Fashion at the Races experiences!
1. How did you first get interested in the industry?
My dad and his side of the family have been involved in horse racing so I’ve been going to the races since I was a child. As I got older I became interested in fashion and really fell in love with race wear and millinery.
Although I do enjoy a day at the races I will confess I the fashions side of things interests me the most.
2. What do you love about what you do every day in regards to fashion?
I love checking out blogs, online stores and seeing what’s happening on the runway. There are always new and exciting things to look at in regards to fashion and I love the constant flow of new ideas and being able to see what is happening around the world in terms of fashion and design.
3. Can the industry do things better? Where and how?
There is always room for improvement and always a need to keep new ideas flowing.
4. What’s your favourite race day memory?
The first time I was at Flemington to see the Melbourne Cup is definitely a standout. Being in the crowd and feeling the ground as the horses came down the straight with the crowd roaring was something that I couldn’t have imagined from seeing the race on TV. I loved it so much I’ve been back every year since.
5. Favourite designer?
I don’t have one designer that’s a favourite, I’m too indecisive! But on my list would definitely be Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Christopher Kane, and Marc Jacobs
6. Hat or Fascinator? Why?
I love a big outrageous hat. There are not many places that you can get away with wearing a crazy hat so when I go to the races I like to make the most of it. However I think both hats and fascinators have their place in race wear. Some days it’s more appropriate and easier to wear a fascinator. Fascinators are also fantastic for women who aren’t so confident with wearing a large hat.
7. What would you do to bring a new generation to the track for a day?
Having friends that had never been to the races I think getting them involved and understanding how a race day works is still an area that needs a bit of work. By that I mean understanding how to look at a form guide, knowing how to place a bet and knowing the basics of horse racing. Also knowing that you can go to the track and have a beautiful lunch, knowing anyone can go to the mounting yard and see the horses walking around before and after a race although very simple for someone who has been before is a bit overwhelming for those new to the races.
I know women who come to the races for the fashion and leave as soon as it’s over. I think part of it is not really knowing what else to do and not having the confidence to go and find out.
8. What’s your fashion advice for women dressing for a day at the races?
There are certain ‘rules’ about dressing for the races which get tossed around all the time- such as wearing knee length hemlines and having covered shoulders however I think the most important tip is to remain true to your own style and dress with a sense of occasion.
9. What was it like to win the national competition?
It was so exciting and very overwhelming to win. I actually cried when I was announced the winner then did a little happy dance. I don’t think it fully sunk in until a few days afterwards. 
10. How much time do you put into your outfits for the competition?
It varies quite a bit for how long an outfit takes to come together. Sometimes it may be months in the making other times only a couple of days. However FOTF is always in the back of my mind when I’m going shopping and looking at the latest fashions. Before race days there will definitely be some late nights.
11. Do you think the FOTF competition has helped make racing more popular?
Absolutely! It brings a new type of racegoer to the track and adds to the atmosphere on course. FOTF gives a new area of focus to people that perhaps aren’t so interested in the horses but still want to be involved.
12. Are fashion and racing a natural fit?
They are a match made in heaven. A huge part of racing, particularly during carnival is the social scene and given that racing is the sport of kings it’s a great excuse to dress up for a day.
Tips for winning Fashions on the Field