Village Voice News - Community - Family of fashion frontrunners steal the show at the Sydney Cup Day

Well-heeled Russell Lea couple Tammy Gill and Brian Cunningham put their love of dressing up to the test at Royal Randwick Race Course recently.

In matching black and ivory ensembles, and accompanied by their elegantly attired 18-month-old daughter Amelie, Tammy and Brian won the Best Dressed Couple category at the Schweppes Sydney Cup Day at Royal Randwick Race Course.

Tammy took the opportunity to showcase her headpiece handiwork by donning her own millinery creation. Tammy has been creating hats for the past five years and is undertaking further study in the craft.

With a background in both architectre and art and design, her millinery is in growing demand. She has moved from creating hats for family and friends to building an online millinery business where people can order her custom-made creations.

"Some people love knitting, some people love to sew, I love to make hats. I find it one of the most exciting crafts," Tammy said.

"You can change the whole outfit with the way you wear a hat," she said.

Having grown up with a cabaret dancing aunt and a mother who never left the house without her hat, Tammy has always had a passion for fashion although it was no easy feat pulling off the winning look.

The couple, who share a love of horse racing and fashion, agonised all week about what outfit to choose for the day.

"It depends on the day, it depends on the weather. We were all wearing black and ivory so it all worked," she said.

While this is Tammy's first win, Brian has been awarded Best Dressed Man at three other carnivals.

For information on Tammy's hats go to www.tammygilldesign.com.au.