Deborah Lambie Fashions in the Field 2025 Boxing Day Interview

A familiar face on the Auckland racing fashion scene, Deborah Lambie has spent the past decade refining her signature race-day style, one that blends bold creativity with polished elegance. Her persistence paid off on Boxing Day 2025 at Ellerslie, where she claimed the coveted Fashions in the Field title, earning a place at prestigious The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026 on Champions Day, Saturday 7 March.

As she prepares to compete again among the country’s most stylish racegoers, Deborah shares the inspiration, strategy, and passion behind her winning look and what drives her enduring love for racewear fashion.

Congratulations on your win at the Boxing Day races, how did it feel when your name was announced?

There was such a buzz at the Boxing Day Races this year, there was a lot of entries, and so many amazing outfits – I was delighted to make it into the top five! My outfit was so contemporary, I had thought perhaps one of the more classic outfits might take it out, so it was such a surprise to have my name called. So special! I think now that I have been coming for a few years, it feels even more special because I have so much appreciation for how much work and thought every single contestant has put into their outfit, and how much the stars have to align for things to go your way.

Tell us about your winning outfit – how would you describe the look and what inspired your race-day style this year?

I like to think about something that no-one else will be doing and try to do something different from what I have ever worn before. I have been wearing a lot of beautiful dresses for a while now, that I thought Boxing Day was really a chance for me to mix it up and do something I hadn’t done before. This suit was so much fun and has a cool retro feel – I loved wearing it.

How long did it take to plan and pull the outfit together?

I would say a couple of months. When I ordered the suit, it was on last sale, but they didn’t have my size – so quite a big alteration was required to get it to fit which took a few iterations, but we got there in the end.

What was the key piece that anchored the whole outfit?

The brown necktie I had originally thought might go nicely on the bag – but it ended up being a last-minute idea to try it around my neck with the long strands uneven and facing forward – and it just worked so well!

How important was millinery or headwear in completing the look?

Millinery is always super important. With this outfit, elegant millinery was key as it helped balance out the loud print of the suit. Claire Hahn has been doing my millinery for a number of years now, and she is so talented. She has an amazing ability to think about how the millinery can make the whole outfit come together. I also love how she gives me confidence to try things I might otherwise be too nervous to try. She is such a kind person, and I love the process of working with her!

What details or finishing touches made the outfit feel competition-ready?

Racewear is always about all the details – the shoes, the bag, the earrings – all of these things need to tie into the overall outfit.

How did you balance elegance with practicality for a summer race day?

When you are relaxed, comfortable and feel good, you can really enjoy yourself and I think that sense of enjoyment is felt by the judges and people watching the fashion. So, I’ll always try to wear something I feel good in. For example, for Boxing Day there was a different pair of shoes that I really loved with the outfit, but they were so uncomfortable I knew I wouldn’t be able to walk confidently in them, so I went for the ones I knew I would feel comfortable in.

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

Raceday fashion is so subjective, and different outfits vibe with different people. I think this outfit was one that took a few risks, and I always think I’d rather take a risk and wear something that stands out – so that’s I’m always trying to do on FOTF day.

What do you enjoy most about attending the races at Ellerslie?

Over the years, I have made so many friends through attending the races at Ellerslie. I love the chance to go and catch up with so many friends.

Winning has qualified you for The Ned Prix de Fashion in March, which is an exciting opportunity, how is your outfit planning going for the event and what are you most looking forward to on the day?

Outfit planning is in full swing! I will be taking a few risks and pushing boundaries with my outfit – which is what I like to do. I’ve had a few hiccups already, I had to send the dress back initially as it didn’t fit, and once I got one that did, it still needed a few alterations. But everything is on track and I am looking forward to Champions Day. I am also excited to see what everyone else will be wearing, it will be such a fun day out. Can’t wait!