Fashion in the Field is an opportunity for racegoers to showcase their style, creativity, and fashion sense. It's a chance to express personal taste and gain recognition for unique ensembles, with entrants showing off everything from bold headpieces to vibrant prints. Entry into the competition is free, however we also have the following hospitality package available for those looking to elevate their fashion experience and enjoy the day in extra style and comfort.
Your experience includes:
Soak up the excitement, fashion and atmosphere of Wellington Cup Day from the heart of the runway action.
For the gentlemen and ladies who know the power of a beautifully tailored suit. Best Suited celebrates exceptional tailoring, considered styling and the art of putting together a polished, sophisticated race-day look. From beautifully cut jackets and trousers to elegant skirt suits, it’s all about fit, coordination, quality and attention to detail. Think complementary accessories, impeccable grooming and those finishing touches that elevate a great suit into a winning ensemble.
To be eligible this needs to be either a coordinated jacket and trousers or jacket and skirt or matching separates styled to be worn for a day at the races. No jumpsuits or playsuits
A celebration of traditional racewear at its finest. Lady of the Carnival is for those who embrace the elegance, heritage and glamour of racing fashion, where every detail is thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed. Think refined silhouettes, elegant tailoring, sophisticated colour palettes and exquisite millinery that complements the overall ensemble. From the perfect millinery to coordinating shoes, handbag and accessories, this is about creating a cohesive, seasonally appropriate and polished look that embodies classic race-day style.
Every great race-day look deserves a fabulous finishing touch, and this category gives millinery its moment in the spotlight! Millinery celebrates the creativity, artistry and individuality of hats and headpieces. From beautifully crafted traditional hats to striking sculptural designs, bold statement pieces and imaginative creations, we want to see headwear that captures attention and showcases personality. You will be judged on originality, design, craftsmanship and how beautifully your headpiece complements your race-day ensemble.
Perfect for those who wish to showcase their millinery skills and a popular second category for entrants competing in another Fashion in the Field category.
For the fashion lovers who like to push boundaries, challenge convention and bring their own interpretation to race day style. Contemporary celebrates modern fashion, individuality and creative expression. Think bold colours, unexpected combinations, striking silhouettes, statement accessories and innovative millinery. Whether you're embracing the latest trends off the rack or creating something entirely your own, this is your opportunity to experiment, take risks and make a statement.
Timeless style recognises the individuality, sophistication and self-assurance that come from a lifetime of discovering what makes you feel fabulous. We’re looking for women who bring their own personality to race-day fashion, whether that means understated elegance, a beautifully coordinated ensemble, a bold splash of colour or a distinctive signature style. This category is about more about personal style, confidence, originality and individuality. An entrant can be beautifully classic but also free to embrace contemporary fashion.
Open to ladies aged 55 and over.
Carl Manderson is an award-winning hairdresser, beauty industry leader and owner/director of Liberté Salon & Day Spa and Pure100 Skincare.
His career has seen him recognised with titles including NZ Hairdresser of the Year, NZ Editorial Stylist and Editorial Collection of the Year. His businesses have also received accolades including NZ’s Best Day Spa and NZ’s Clinic of the Year.
Carl is also the founder of pure100, a 100% natural skincare range, locally handmade since 2015. The range includes dedicated men’s products, haircare, skincare, bodycare and fragrance, and is retailed and wholesaled in many beauty businesses.
With extensive judging experience across the New Zealand Hairdressing Awards, Miss Universe NZ and race day fashion events nationwide, Carl brings a wealth of industry knowledge, creativity and a keen eye for style to this year’s Wellington Cup Day Fashion in the Field.
Pōneke Wellington-born and based designer Winnie Solomon is recognised for her distinctive balance of nineteenth-century silhouettes and fine tailoring. Grounded in craftsmanship, storytelling and thoughtful production, her eponymous label, Winnie Catherine, creates sophisticated garments that celebrate the ambitions and experiences of the modern-day working woman. In 2026, she was named as Remix Magazine's 'Emerging New Zealand Fashion Designer' of the Year, and was the recipient of the Giltrap Group Helping Kiwis Fly Award: Fashion Edition scholarship – an award that was presented to her after her debut collection at New Zealand Fashion Week.
Fernando is a Wellington-based real estate professional with Harcourts and content creator, bringing together his passion for fashion, lifestyle, design and property. Known for his refined aesthetic and creative approach to digital storytelling, Fernando has built a personal brand centered around modern elegance, individuality and authentic connection. Through his Instagram platform, he shares a curated mix of fashion, lifestyle, beauty and real estate, reflecting his appreciation for style in all its forms.
Now bringing that same creative eye, attention to detail and people-first approach to real estate, Fernando is passionate about helping people navigate their property journey with confidence and a fresh perspective. Fernando looks forward to celebrating individuality, confidence and timeless style, while connecting with the vibrant Wellington community both on and off the field.
Kristen Teo is a Wellington-based entrepreneur, beauty and wellness founder, and passionate supporter of New Zealand's fashion and creative industries.
As the founder of The Spa Nomad NZ and co-founder of Numa Skin & Body Club, Kristen has established herself in the beauty and wellness industry, with her work featured in publications including Viva, Remix and the NZ Herald. Recognised as Runner-Up for Brand Founder of the Year at the 2026 Viva Beauty Awards, Kristen brings a unique perspective shaped by her entrepreneurial journey, appreciation for design and involvement in New Zealand's fashion and lifestyle scene.
Through her work in beauty and wellness, Kristen understands that looking your best is about more than the perfect outfit. It's about feeling confident, radiant and comfortable in your own skin. With a love for timeless elegance, individuality and effortless sophistication, Kristen believes true style is reflected in the entire presentation from thoughtful styling and attention to detail to the confidence and personality of the person wearing it.
She is excited to join the judging panel for the 2027 Wellington Cup Fashion in the Field, where she looks forward to celebrating creativity, personal expression and those who truly shine from the inside out.
You will need to arrive at the track on time to collect your number half an hour before your category takes the stage for judging. Check the website for timings. Follow the guidelines on what to wear. Judges will be looking for elegant and stylish race wear to suit the season as well as the latest fashion trends. The panel of Judges will base their votes on the following criteria:
High standards of grooming and deportment.
Competition Entry & Eligibility
By participating, entrants agree to be bound by, and will abide by, these terms & conditions.
Prizes are not transferable and are not redeemable for cash if any prize becomes unavailable.
Two qualifying spots for The Ned Prix de Fashion on Champions Day at Ellerslie on Saturday 6 March 2027 will be awarded on Wellington Cup Day.
The first qualifying spot will be awarded to the Supreme Winner, who will also receive flights and/or accommodation covered by Wellington Racing Club to attend the event.
The second qualifying spot will be awarded to another selected finalist, who will be responsible for covering their own travel and accommodation costs associated with attending The Ned Prix de Fashion.