Hawaiian Airlines Fashions in the Field

Are you runway ready?

Racewear competitions at Ellerslie have been running for over 65 years, with Hawaiian Airlines Fashions in the Field at the SkyCity Boxing Day Races a racewear institution.

This year’s Hawaiian Airlines Womenswear Award winner will fly home with x2 return tickets to Honolulu (ex Auckland) flying Hawaiian Airlines.

The competition carries extra prestige with our womenswear winner and runner-up each qualifying for The Ned Prix de Fashion, New Zealand racing’s ultimate fashion contest, where they’ll represent Ellerslie among the country’s best-dressed on 7 March 2026.

Men also have a chance to win big with the 3 Wise Men Menswear Award offering great prizes for the lads deemed best dressed on the runway.

 

Entry into the competitions is free for all SkyCity Boxing Day Races racegoers aged 18yr+. 

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 on course.

Click though to learn more.

Sarah Stuart

We're thrilled to have Sarah Stuart return to this year's judging panel, bringing her sharp style expertise and extensive experience in all things fashion.

Sarah has been a part of Ellerslie’s racewear judging panels since 2017 and knows how to spot a winning look. With a career spanning television, photo shoots, red carpets, editorial and advertising campaigns and personal styling, she has built a reputation as a trusted expert in New Zealand fashion.

Nominated for FQ’s Stylist of the Year 2024, Sarah’s keen eye ensures her enviable Insta profile remains a go-to for raceday and street style inspiration.

Sarah on the 'gram

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

Katie Flett

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.

Katie on the 'gram

Aleisha Mitchell

Having won both Fashions in the Field and Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie in previous years, 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

Your MC

Carena West

A familiar face on and off the track, club ambassador Carena West brings a wealth of experience and passion to the world of racewear.

As a Club ambassador and the 2019 Myer Fashions on the Field National Final winner at Flemington, Carena’s credentials in racing fashion are as impressive as her raceday ensembles. But her connection to racing goes beyond the runway. Carena is also a Club member, winning owner, and accomplished horse rider, making her a true all-rounder in the racing world.

Off track, Carena keeps her plate full by running a successful activewear label alongside her sister and being a mum to her gorgeous daughter and newborn son. We also LOVE her equal parts talent, style and hilarity Insta account.

Carena on the 'gram

Hawaiian Airlines Fashions in the Field | Prizes, Terms & Conditions

  • Hawaiian Airlines Womenswear Award 2025

    Open to all female contestants, including maidens.

    The winner of this award will take home:
    x2 return tickets to Honolulu (ex Auckland) flying Hawaiian Airlines  (prize conditions apply)

    A $200 prize package from Tan in the City

    A qualifying spot in New Zealand’s racewear final, The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026 – taking place at Ellerslie on Champions Day, 7 March 2026.

     

    The runner-up of this award will take home:

    A $1,000 World Travellers voucher

    A qualifying spot in New Zealand’s racewear final, The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026 – taking place at Ellerslie on Champions Day, 7 March 2026.

     

  • 3 Wise Men Menswear Award 2025

    Learn more about this competition here.

  • Tan In The City Award 2025

    The winner of this award will take home an $800 prize from Tan In The City.

    Stay tuned for a category update!

     

  • Monika Neuhauser Millinery Maiden Award 2025

    Open to those who have never won a fashions in the field or racewear competition.

    The winner of this award will receive a $200 voucher from Monika Neuhauser Millinery to go towards bespoke or ready-to-wear millinery.

  • Competition Terms and Conditions

    Below are 2024’s competition Terms & Conditions for reference purposes. 2025’s competition terms and conditions will be published here close to the competition date.

     

    Entry

    Information on how to enter and other details form part of these terms and conditions. If there is a conflict between the information on how to enter and these terms and conditions, these terms and conditions will prevail.

    • Entry is free.
    • Contestants must check in at the registration marquee on the day between 11:00 am and 1:15 pm to complete the registration process. Entrants who do not complete this process will be disqualified.
    • All entrants must be aged 18 years or older.
    • Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) reserves the right to request proof of age.
    • Entrants may only enter in their private capacity. Entries on behalf of a third party, including commercial enterprises, will result in disqualification.
    • Outfits must not commercially promote a brand, store, designer, or other commercial enterprise. Breaches will result in disqualification (at ATR’s discretion).
    • Contestants must not receive any payment or benefit from third parties, including commercial enterprises, in connection with their participation.
    • Entrants must not be dressed or styled by designers or milliners. Breaches will result in disqualification (at ATR’s discretion).
    • Individuals professionally involved in producing fashion, hats, or accessories are ineligible to enter if their role is deemed to provide an advantage (at ATR’s discretion).
    • Photographs of entrants and winners taken on the day become the property of ATR and may be used for promotional purposes.
    • By entering, participants consent to receiving information from ATR and those sponsors listed under “Prizes.”
    • Entrants must maintain the integrity of the event and act in good faith when referencing ATR, Maman Fashions in the Field, The Ned Prix de Fashion, or any other events relating to ATR.
    • Disparaging or derogatory comments about ATR, the competition, or other participants will result in disqualification from this and all future ATR competitions.
    • By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

    Winners

    • Winners (seven in total) are selected from contestants who register on the day.
    • The winner and runner-up of Maman Fashions in the Field Womenswear Award will represent ATR in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025 on Champions Day (8 March 2025).
    • Announcements will be made via public address. Contestants must appear 10 minutes before the start time of heats, finals, or presentations, or risk disqualification.
    • Prizes are awarded to the wearer of the winning outfit and are not transferable.
    • Winners may be required for up to 30 minutes after the presentation for photos and media.
    • Winners agree to participate in promotional activities for up to 12 months after the event.
    • Judges’ decisions are final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into.

    Prizes

    Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. If any prize is unavailable, ATR may substitute it with a prize of equal or greater value. Winners are responsible for collecting their prizes.

    • Maman Fashions in the Field Womenswear Award Winner:
      • $2,000 in prizes from Maman
      • Qualifying spot in The Ned Prix de Fashion semi-final (8 March 2025)
      • $500 SkyCity Auckland accommodation voucher
      • $200 in prizes from Tan In The City
      • 2 tickets to The Ned Fashion Garden (RRP $170) on Champions Day, 8 March 2025
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • Maman Fashions in the Field Womenswear Award Runner-Up:
      • $500 in prizes from Maman
      • Qualifying spot in The Ned Prix de Fashion semi-final (8 March 2025)
      • $500 SkyCity Auckland accommodation voucher
      • 2 tickets to The Ned Fashion Garden (RRP $170) on Champions Day, 8 March 2025
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • Tan in the City Best Accessories Winner:
      • $450 tan pack (10 tans)
      • Black Magic self-tan bottle and tanning glove
      • $300 salon gift voucher
      • 2 General Admission tickets to Champions Day (RRP $100), 8 March 2025
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • SkyCity Auckland Maiden Award Winner:
      • $500 SkyCity Auckland accommodation voucher
      • 2 tickets to The Ned Fashion Garden (RRP $170) on Champions Day, 8 March 2025
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • Monika Neuhauser Millinery Award Winner:
      • $200 voucher from Monika Neuhauser Millinery
      • 2 General Admission tickets to Champions Day (RRP $100), 8 March 2025
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • Golf Warehouse Menswear Award Winner:
      • $1,000 Golf Warehouse voucher
      • 2 tickets to The Ascot Stand (RRP $150) on Champions Day, 8 March 2025
      • Stella Artois prize pack
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)
    • Golf Warehouse Menswear Award Runner-Up:
      • $500 Golf Warehouse voucher
      • 2 tickets to The Ascot Stand (RRP $150) on Champions Day, 8 March 2025
      • Stella Artois prize pack
      • A bottle of Diamond Heart wine (courtesy of The Ned)

    Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Racedays

    • If any part of the raceday is cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond ATR’s control, no substitute event or compensation will be provided.
    • ATR reserves the right to reschedule the raceday and will use reasonable efforts to offer a comparable experience.
    • ATR is not liable for disruptions caused by events beyond its control (e.g., adverse weather).
    • The promoter is Auckland Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated, 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland. Employees and their immediate families, as well as representatives of ATR or sponsors, are not eligible to enter.

Sponsors

Our thanks to 2025's competition partners

Major Partners