Amber Sims | Meet the 2023 The Ned Prix de Fashion Qualifiers

Amber Sims qualified for The Ned Prix de Fashion back in December at SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day.

A woman who has worn many ‘hats’ in the racing industry – think horse trainer, track rider, and industry education co-ordinator – will it be her millinery hobby that creates her next title in the industry, The Ned Prix de Fashion Supreme Winner?

We chat to Amber as she prepares her entry into this year’s national final…

How long have you been entering FITF competitions?

I first entered at Matamata Breeders Stakes Day in 2018. I had followed racing fashion for a long time beforehand and had always dreamed of being up there on stage in a beautiful ensemble. Now, here we are!

What one word would you use to describe your outfit you’ve got planned for this year’s The Ned Prix de Fashion?

Amber oncourse at Ellerslie on OMF Melbourne Cup Day, in another winning racewear ensemble

What’s your top tip for a day at the races?

Enjoy it, talk to people and go out of your comfort zone.

I have met so many amazing people through going to the races, whether it be trainers, owners or spectators. There are people from all backgrounds who attend, and it is one sport that can bring us all together. Racing is a great leveler.

What’s your number rule for a racewear look?

Be comfortable. Don’t wear anything that is going to bring your mood down for the day and be constantly worried about any ‘bits’ showing or fitting properly.

What do you love about fashions in the field?

The people. I love going to a day out at the races, catching up and dressing up with girls away from the horses. They are my girly friends who I can have a wine and laugh with. The girls I’ve met are now are basically family to me and I would be lost without them in my life.

Can you tell us a little bit about the outfit you qualified in?

I bought the fabric on sale in Melbourne and thought ‘I will add that to the fabric stash’!

I then created the dress and felt a real Aztec vibe flowing through and decided on a piñata-style boater which I also created.

Amber’s qualifying outfit from Waikato Cup Day.

Why should raceday attendees get involved in fashions in the field?

The people are amazing but I’d also I’d be lying if I didn’t say the sponsorship and prizes that come with it are simply superb! The fashions in the field competitions would be nowhere without the sponsors so it’s always great to win something and then be able to support and promote their businesses!

Who are your fashion icons when it comes to racewear?

I adore Stacey Roberts, she is flawless every time and small in stature like myself.

Amber’s style muse: Stacey Roberts AKA @designsbyshr on Instagram

What’s your favourite raceday on the calendar?

It’s actually the Grand National meeting in Ballarat VIC, as cold as it is over there at that time of year, it’s always an amazing day with fantastic people!

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be?

There’s a couple, the Dubai World Cup and also the Japan Cup would be my goals.

How do you think Kiwi racewear differs from that around the world?

We’re a very creative bunch, sometimes a bit of kiwi ingenuity comes out to play in the outfits!

The Ned Prix de Fashion is New Zealand’s national fashions in the field final. There’s still time to enter the opening round with entries closing on the 23rd of April.