Monika Neuhauser Fashions in the Field 2025 interview

As the colour, creativity and spectacle of Fashions in the Field returns to Ellerslie Racecourse this Boxing Day, millinery once again takes centre stage. From sculptural brims to understated headpieces, a great hat has the power to transform an outfit and few understand that balance better than in-demand milliner, Monika Neuhauser.

Known for her beautifully crafted bespoke and ready-to-wear millinery, Monika has built a reputation for clean lines, refined shapes and thoughtful use of materials, creating headwear that feels both modern and wearable. This year, she is proudly supporting the event by sponsoring the Maiden Award, a category designed to encourage first-time entrants to step onto the runway and embrace racewear style with confidence.

Ahead of Boxing Day, we caught up with Monika to talk all things headwear, from emerging millinery trends and her collaborative design process to practical advice for racewear newcomers navigating hats for the first time. Whether you’re competing or simply dressing for the occasion, her insights prove that the right hat doesn’t just complete an outfit, it helps it sing.

You’ve built a reputation for beautiful bespoke and ready-to-wear millinery, how would you describe your design philosophy when it comes to hats and headpieces? What strikes a balance for you between wearable elegance and statement-making artistry?

I would say I’m more of a minimalist.  I like sharper lines. I love working with interesting fabrics or textured straws. A simple boater can absolutely be a statement piece, by using a great material or oversizing it.

When creating a piece for a high-profile occasion like Fashions in the Field, what considerations go into your creative process?

It’s almost always a collaboration with my clients. The outfit is the starting point, the hat is the supporting act. A good hat will elevate the look and complete it.

What are your favourite millinery pieces that you’ve designed for race days and why?

All those hats that helped making an outfit “sing” and really stand out.

Do you ever draw inspiration from clients’ stories, personalities or backgrounds when creating a bespoke hat? Could you share an example of a design you created that had a particularly interesting back story?

Not so sure about a back story as such. A client’s personality is always taken into consideration. Conservative, fashion forward, quirky, beginner hat wearer…anything goes.

How important is it for the hat to coordinate with the rest of the outfit? Do you encourage matching or do you prefer to have a headpiece that stands out on its own?

Very important. A good hat makes an outfit, a not so good one can let the whole look down. The same goes for the outfit. The best hat can’t totally rescue a bad outfit. They need to work together.

From your point of view, what are the millinery and headwear trends emerging ahead of this year’s Fashions in the Field at Ellerslie?

Brimless shapes, called Toque have made an appearance and will continue to be worn. The suit trend works well with these shapes. Berets can look amazing, very understated yet stylish. Brimmed hats are still popular, maybe a bit mixed up with different crown shapes.

Some people may feel intimidated by headwear, what’s your advice on choosing a hat or headpiece that feels natural and complements an outfit?

When working with “newbies” it’s quite common for them to be a bit timid. I hear the ” I don’t suit hats” regularly. The way to go about it: go to a place where you can try on lots of different hat shapes and sizes..the more you try the easier it gets. They get used to seeing themselves in hats, what works and what doesn’t. There is always a hat ..or 2 or 3..that will fit the wearer.

With New Zealand summer weather and being outdoors for a race day, what practical tips do you have (comfort, materials, hat-fit, sun, wind) for someone wearing millinery on the day?

Obviously, a brimmed straw hat is great and almost essential on a sunny day. Windy days do present a problem with large hats though. Not great to have to hold onto a hat all day long.

If the wind is not too strong, a hat elastic will give greater security. With stronger wind a smaller shape is sometimes a better option. One just has to seek shelter from the sun.

For first-time race attendees what millinery styles do you think are the easiest entry points, stylish but still appropriate?

I think a small button or a beret are great options. Headbands can also be lovely and easy to wear and there is actually quite a variety of styles and sizes. From very simple to more elaborate with small or larger trims.

What motivated you to support the Maiden category at Fashions in the Field this Boxing Day and what significance does it hold for you as a milliner and part of the racewear community?

I love when racecourses create different categories. A maiden category is a fantastic way to entice newcomers – some might have watched previous Fashions in the Field and thought about entering. Having this category might just give them the little extra nudge they need. And maybe playing a part in their subsequent fashion and millinery journey would be lovely.