ALL the way from Los Angeles, TV star Richard Reid judged the Fashions on the Field competition at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club's Melbourne Cup meeting.

Mr Reid, who is known for his role as the gossip guru on the Today Show, encouraged contestants to "beat their own drum" and to be "whimsy" and "imaginative".

He may have had the audience in stitches, but took the judging seriously, awarding Aiden Matthews first in the men's category

Connie Rothery, with elegant netting covering her eyes and beautiful floral design, claimed first for millinery (headpiece accessory).

Connie Rothery, with elegant netting covering her eyes and beautiful floral design, claimed first for millinery (headpiece accessory).

Ms Rothery's advice for future contestants was to make sure they showed off their personality the best they could, in their designs and to come up with something unique.

Ten women battled it out for first in the women's fashion category, with Danni Morrison's $1500 outfit - pink and grey design with structured ruffles to match - eventually claiming the title.