SkyCity Boxing Day Fashion

Dress sharp gents - bragging rights (and great prizes) are on the line.

Listen up, gents – our legendary Boxing Day Races menswear competition is back for 2025. 

Shine those shoes, press those suits, and get set to show us your sharpest raceday look on the runway.

The 3 Wise Men Menswear Award is where style meets competition – and the top-dressed man takes home the glory (and some great prizes from competition partner, 3 Wise Men).

3 Wise Men Menswear Award

How It Works

Entering is easy

Competition entry is free to male racegoers aged 18yr+.

On the day, simply head to the fashion marquee on the Fashion Lawn (behind the Ellerslie Stand, near the stables), fill out a form, and you’re all set to go.

Entries open when gates open and close at 1.15pm*.

Once you've entered, you’ll be told when to head to the stage for your heat.

*Timings are approximate & subject to change

Take To The Runway

Contestants then take to the runway to show our judges - and the audience - their best sides with the judges' picks making it to the Semi Final.

Anyone on course is welcome to come watch and cheer contestants on.

Semi Final Time

Following the heats, semi finalists are invited back on stage for the judges to view them one more time and award points to rank their favourites.

The names of the chosen finalists will then be asked to step forward before...

The Big Reveal

...our winner is announced and sashed.

This year's winner will be announced on either the fashion runway or the Birdcage Dias.

The Judges

Meet The Judges

Our panel of seasoned fashion experts and past winners know exactly what makes a winning look - and they’re ready to choose the best dressed men on course.

Click though to learn more.

Lou Heller

Christchurch-based stylist Lou Heller is a popular figure on Instagram - empowering thousands of kiwis in all things fashion.

In addition to her stylist career, Lou brings seasoned experience from having sat on fashions in the field panels in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington - meaning she knows exactly what it takes to stand out on and off the track.

Renowned for her keen eye, thoughtful insights and effortless ability to pull a look together, Lou brings a fresh perspective to racewear styling.

Her passion for fashion is rooted in celebrating and empowering people to dress for themselves and we’re sure is something she will be looking for on the runway on Boxing Day.

Lou on the 'gram

Angus McDougall

Angus has cemented his place in New Zealand’s fashion scene where his impeccable eye for style and trendsetting looks have made him a standout presence.

A self-described beauty enthusiast and handbag connoisseur, Angus’s passion for fashion is matched by his deep appreciation for individuality and self-expression. From bold millinery to cutting-edge ensembles, he knows how to spot a look that turns heads for all the right reasons.

When he’s not immersed in the world of fashion in one of his roles as fashion and beauty editor for YOUR EX, you’ll find him sharing his insights and inspirations with his loyal Instagram following, where his playful take on beauty and style continues to inspire.

Angus on the 'gram

Aleisha Mitchell

Having won both Fashions in the Field and Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie, Aleisha Mitchell is no stranger to the sash.

Often the designer / maker behind her winning outfits, she also knows exactly what it takes to create a winning outfit and those insights, combined with her experience on our racewear judging panels and career as a stylist, mean Aleisha’s bringing an expert eye to Boxing Day.

Aleisha on the 'gram

2020 winner of The Ned Prix de Fashion, Katie Flett, joins us as the other half of our South Island-based judges for this year’s competition.

A style ambassador for the Canterbury Jockey Club and a regular on fashions in the field judging panels, Katie brings a wealth of experience and a sharp eye for detail. She knows exactly what it takes to deliver a winning look - and what will make the judges sit up and take notice.

Known for her approachable, encouraging style, Katie has a knack for putting contestants at ease and celebrating individuality. We can’t wait to see her bring both her expertise and her signature enthusiasm to this year’s panel.

Kate on the 'gram

The Prizes

  • Prize list to come!

Our thanks to

Major Partners