Race Meeting

NZCIS Wellington Cup Day Fashion in the Field

Sat 31 Jan 2026
12pm
RACE Trentham

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.

LOCATED IN THE MAIN FORECOURT

Fashion in the Field Marquee

$1500 per table of 6 + $3 booking fee

Your table package includes:

  • Reserved table for 6 guests
  • Bottle of Allan Scott Cecilia on arrival
  • Goody bag for every guest
  • Racebook & pen
  • Dedicated tote, bar & bathroom facilities
  • Club sandwich platter on arrival
  • Individual lunch platter per guest
  • Strawberries & chocolate cups
  • Cheese platter for the table

Soak up the style with front-row seats to all the Fashion in the Field action. Sip on a complimentary Lady H Gin cocktail, enjoy exclusive Lady H Gin specials, and make the most of Cup Day in true VIP fashion.

BOOK NOW

Categories:

Best Dressed

The Best Dressed category recognises the ultimate expression of race day elegance and style. Open to entrants who present a beautifully coordinated and polished outfit from head to toe, this category celebrates creativity, individuality, and seasonal appropriateness as well as looking for all the finishing touches. Judges look for overall harmony in colour, fabric, and accessories, along with confident presentation and attention to detail. The winning look should capture the glamour and sophistication that define NZCIS Wellington Cup Day.

Best Suited

The Best Suited category celebrates the art of refined race day tailoring. It’s open to entrants who showcase classic or contemporary suiting styles that reflect elegance, confidence, and attention to detail. Judges look for impeccable fit, quality fabrics, cohesive styling, and accessories that elevate the overall look — from shoes and ties to pocket squares and hats. Whether traditional or modern in flair, the ensemble should embody sophistication and the spirit of race day fashion.

Millinery

The Millinery category celebrates exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and design in headwear. Open to both professional and amateur milliners, this award recognises hats or fascinators that make a statement while complementing race day fashion. Judges look for originality, proportion, quality of construction, and how well the piece enhances the overall outfit. Entries should embody elegance, innovation, and the distinctive flair of NZCIS Wellington Cup style.

*If you have entered another category, you are also permitted to enter this one as well if you fulfil the criteria

Newbies

The Newbies category is designed especially for first-time entrants, offering an exciting and welcoming introduction to Fashion in the Field. This category encourages creativity and individuality, allowing contestants to showcase a more contemporary take on race day style rather than strictly traditional looks. Judges will be looking for originality, confidence, and a well-styled outfit that reflects modern fashion flair while still capturing the spirit and sophistication of NZCIS Wellington Cup Day.

Eye on the Crowd

The Eye on the Crowd category is for those standout racegoers who effortlessly turn heads on Cup Day. Our Fashion in the Field team will be out and about, shoulder-tapping individuals whose style, confidence, and flair catch their eye. There’s no need to pre-register — if you’re spotted looking sensational, you might just earn a place on the FITF stage. This category celebrates natural style, impeccable presentation, and that undeniable X-factor that captures the spirit of NZCIS Wellington Cup fashion.

*Winners of this category are not eligible for entry into the Ned Prix de Fashion

Fashion Officials

Carena West
MC

Carena West has long been involved in New Zealand’s racing and fashion community, both on and off the stage. After winning the 2019 Melbourne Cup Carnival National Fashion on the Field, she has continued to share her passion for style through emceeing and judging fashion events around the country. Carena regularly hosts major occasions such as Prix de Fashion and the NZ Polo Open, bringing warmth, insight, and a genuine love of the racing and fashion worlds to the stage.

Stephanie Murray
Judge

Stephanie Murray is the founder of Stephanie Murray Mortgages, an award-winning mortgage advisory firm recognised for its client-focused service and community values. Balancing her successful career with a passion for fashion, Stephanie is a multi-national racing fashion award winner and the Fashion Ambassador for Wellington Racing Club.

Known for her chic sophistication and impeccable style, she’s a familiar face at racing and charity events across New Zealand. Through Stephanie Murray Mortgages, she proudly leads fundraising initiatives in support of the Roderique Hope Trust, helping local Taranaki families in need.

Whether on the racetrack or in the community, Stephanie embodies confidence, kindness, and style in everything she does.

Carl Manderson
Judge

We’re thrilled to welcome back Carl Manderson as a judge for the 2026 Wellington Cup Day – Fashion in the Field.

Carl is the creative force behind Liberté Salon, Beauté & Day Spa, and the founder of the all-natural Pure 100 Skincare line. Known for his visionary approach to hair, beauty, and style, he has earned a reputation as one of Wellington’s leading creative talents.

With an impressive list of accolades—including NZ Hairdresser of the Year, Visionary Editorial Stylist of the Year, and Editorial Collection Stylist of the Year—Carl’s expertise is truly unmatched.

He brings years of experience judging Fashion in the Field competitions, as well as coaching and judging contestants for Miss Universe New Zealand. His success spans multiple top industry awards, including Schwarzkopf Colour Salon of the Year, NZ Day Spa of the Year, and NZ Best Clinic.

With his discerning eye and creative insight, Carl brings exceptional expertise to our judging panel once again.

Katie Flett
Judge

Katie is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable racing fashion talents, best known for winning The Ned Prix de Fashion in 2020 — the country’s premier national fashion-in-the-field title. Her winning look showcased her signature approach: thoughtful tailoring, cohesive styling and a modern twist on traditional racewear.

Alongside her own success on the stage, Katie is a Style Ambassador for the Canterbury Jockey Club and a regular judge at premier racedays throughout New Zealand. She brings a finely tuned eye for fit, proportion and creativity, with a strong appreciation for garments that feel polished, elegant and authentic to the wearer.

Warm, encouraging and passionate about the racewear community, Katie is excited to join the judging panel and help showcase the best of NZCIS Wellington Cup Day fashion.

Fernando Suen
Judge

Fernando is a Wellington-based content creator known for his refined aesthetic and creative approach to digital storytelling. Through his Instagram platform, Fernando shares a carefully curated blend of fashion, lifestyle, travel, beauty, food and visual inspiration, capturing the essence of modern style with a polished yet approachable sensibility. He brings a contemporary perspective on elegance and personal presentation, celebrating individuality, confidence, and creativity both on and off the field.

Terms & Conditions NZCIS Wellington Cup Fashion in the Field 2026

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 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:

  • Style and originality.
  • Interpretation of latest fashion trends.
  • Appropriate racewear.
  • Attention to detail with accessories such as shoes, handbag, jewellery.
  • Style, design and quality workmanship of millinery components including originality, concept of theme and wearability.
  • High standards of grooming and deportment.

Entry into the competition is free.

Entry into the competition is open to women and men from anywhere around the world.

  • Entry can be completed online up 24 hours before an event.
  • All photographs of entrants and winners become the property of RACE and may be used for future advertising and publicity purposes.
  • Entry in the competition is deemed as consent by the winners to appear in a reasonable amount of advertising and publicity throughout the competition term and beyond.
  • By entering this competition, you are consenting to receive further information from WRC and the competition’s sponsors as listed below in the prize section.
  • 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. All category finalists (except for Eye on the Crowd) will be considered for the Ned Prix de Fashion and only one winner will be chosen to go forward who is the Supreme Winner on the NZCIS Wellington Cup Day. They will be able to enter the Ned Prix de Fashion (Champions Day, Ellerslie, March 7 2026) at their own discretion later in the year.