The Ned Prix de Fashion winner 2026 - Claudia Campbell

A standout on the New Zealand racewear circuit, Claudia Campbell returned to the top of the style podium with her win at The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026 on Champions Day at Ellerslie Racecourse. First claiming the title in 2013, Claudia’s latest success highlights her enduring presence in the competition and her ability to evolve her look while staying true to her signature sense of elegance.

With her mother and sister also competing as finalists this year, the moment carried an added layer of significance, reflecting the deep family ties behind her racewear journey. As she reflects on her win, Claudia shares her reaction on the day, the inspiration behind her outfit, and what continues to draw her back to racewear fashion competitions.

Congratulations on winning the 2026 The Ned Prix de Fashion, what was going through your mind when your name was announced?

Honestly, total disbelief. The standard of the finalists was incredible, so I really didn’t expect it. I felt shocked and very grateful the judges liked my look!

Tell us about your winning outfit, how would you describe the look and what inspired it?

I think my look was classic elegant but included a bit of a modern edge with the collar added. I seem to suit the A line style with a structured material, so I stuck to the same plan that has worked before.

How long did it take to plan and bring the outfit together? Were there any key designers, milliners, or brands involved in creating the look?

After I won my finalist place at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, we started looking for an outfit and ended up deciding that another dress from the Australian brand Only One Ashley was the way to go. The dress was sold out in my size, so we had to get a 12 and then get it cut down to an 8. As the label is popular with racing fashion we knew we had to try and make the look more individual, so the collar was added. My hat was my mum’s from Monika Neuhauser and the bag and heels were also from my mum’s wardrobe and have been used many times before.

What do you think caught the judges’ attention about your look on the day?

I hope they thought my look was polished and suited me. I think it was a good balance of a vintage style with a modern twist yet still looks good today.

What does this win mean to you personally after so many years in the racewear scene?

Winning The Ned Prix de Fashion is the ultimate racing fashion title in NZ so having done it twice in 13 years is unbelievable and I feel very proud and honoured. I did have a few years off in between, but it’s been so much fun getting back into it and attending some great race days.

Racewear competitions clearly run in the Campbell family, what has it been like being involved as a family? Do you tend to help each other with ideas and styling in the lead-up to competitions?

Yes, racing and fashion competitions have been a big part of our lives for so long now and we have had so many amazing opportunities and travel adventures thanks to the generous prizes. We definitely help each other out with our styling we even have fashion meetings and try on options with everyone giving their opinion right down to the jewellery!

Your mum and sister were also finalists this year, what was it like sharing the stage with them?

It was pretty cool that we were all finalists this year that’s a great achievement in itself. But honestly we have no competition between us, if one does well then we all feel like we have won.

You first won the Prix de Fashion back in 2013, how has your approach to racewear evolved since then?

I’m probably a bit more comfortable wearing a feminine style dress than I used to be. When I first started I would prefer the contemporary looks. But the truth is my mum and sister have more of an idea on fashion than me, so I have learned to trust what they say suits me best.

What keeps bringing you back to compete in racewear competitions?

We always have a great day at the races and we have made so many good friends from racing fashion that it’s a fun day out. Plus, getting dressed up is a nice change from normal. And of course, the prizes and sashes are worth having a go for. I am so happy with my lovely glass trophy from the Prix, it’s a very special memento.

What do you love most about race-day fashion at Ellerslie and Champions Day?

It’s always really exciting to see the fashion at Ellerslie and especially Champions Day because that’s the big finale and everyone brings their A game. I think NZ racing fashion is so good because there are so many different styles and stand out looks.  Ellerslie always does a lovely stage and great decorations as well as beautiful photos.

What’s next for you, will we see you back competing again in the future?

I think you should never say never especially with racing fashion. I will probably have a bit of a year off but you never know what my mum is planning! The racing season does clash a bit with wedding season and as a wedding florist it can be hard to do both, I actually installed a wedding the morning of the Prix and did my make up in the car on the way up!