Eat couture: The dress that doubles as a salad

IT IS a dilemma for any fashion-conscious race-goer as to how to stand out from the crowd.

But Rhonda Morritt made sure she caught the eye of passers-by at the opening day of the Dante Festival at York Racecourse yesterday – while also helping to promote the region’s famous produce.

She donned a dress made from locally-grown vegetables in a design reminiscent of the outrageous outfits worn by music star Lady Gaga. The bodice featured asparagus from Mrs Morritt’s own 300-acre farm near Sand Hutton, as well as broad beans. The straps of the dress, which was made from hemp from East Yorkshire, featured beetroot tops, the skirt was created from purple sprouting broccoli and red cabbage and the belt was adorned with locally-sourced carrots.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It took dressmaker Charlotte Miles, a graduate of the Sheffield School of Art and Design, and Jennifer Middleton, who runs Lemon Zest PR, which specialises in promoting the region’s produce, 10 hours to create.

A total of 15 kitchens will be operating during the festival, with more than 70 managers, 50 chefs and 600 staff preparing and serving food.

York Racecourse Hospitality’s general manager, Nick Fazackerley, said: “We use more local produce than any other racecourse in the country. We’re renowned for our commitment to local farmers and producers and proudly serve the best of what the county produces.”

The Dante Festival runs until tomorrow, signalling the start of this year’s York race programme.

Festival preview: Page 20.