Patric Seng Fashions in the Field 2025 Interview

Patric Seng is a standout force in the menswear fashion competition at Ellerslie, celebrated for his sharp tailoring, bold colour choices, and confident runway presence. After winning the menswear Fashions in the Field competition at Ellerslie on Boxing Day 2024, Patric carried that momentum through to The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025, where he was named Grand Finalist and Runner-Up in the menswear category.

A veteran of the competition, having won several menswear racewear events over the years, Patric approaches race day fashion as both an art form and a creative challenge. Ahead of this year’s Fashions in the Field on Boxing Day, he shares insight into the vision behind his award-winning looks, the inspiration that drives his design process and his advice for men stepping onto the Fashions in the Field runway.

Winning the menswear category at Fashions in the Field 2024 is a huge achievement, what did that moment feel like for you when your name was announced?

The moment they called my name, honestly, time stood still. It was a rush of pure elation and relief. After months of planning, to have the judges recognize the vision—it felt like a truly validated moment. I was shaking, and the pride was overwhelming. It was the absolute highlight of my year.

You spoke about your gratitude to the organisers and the platform they provide. What makes Fashions in the Field such a special event for you personally?

I just love the vibe of the whole thing. It’s where everyone who is obsessed with tailoring, hats, and pushing style boundaries can connect. It’s the one day we can rock a double-breasted suit and magenta hat without question! I’m super grateful they give menswear this massive, vibrant platform.

Looking back now, what do you think set your winning look apart on the day?

It was definitely the bold colour blocking and the perfect fit. That classic double-breasted silhouette in the soft beige needed a major pop, and the magenta hat and matching velvet loafers delivered that punch. I think the combination of the traditional, clean suit with the flamboyant accessories made it feel fresh and unforgettable. Plus, the suit tailoring was spot-on, which judges always notice.

You described the competition as a “challenge to creativity.” What specifically pushes you the most – conceptualising/designing the look, executing it or presenting it on the runway?

The biggest challenge is always the conceptualisation. It’s the initial pressure to find that one anchor piece—the hat, the fabric, or the colour story—that hasn’t been done before. Once the look is conceptualised, the execution is just detailed work. But if the initial idea is strong and I feel that sense of authenticity in the finished ensemble, the confidence for the runway is just a natural by-product.

Where do you usually draw inspiration from when curating your race day looks, runway fashion, street style, art, culture or personal experiences?

I definitely look at a lot of classic menswear books, but my inspiration usually starts with a specific colour story. For this winning look, I was drawn to the contrast of warm neutrals and vibrant jewel tones. I thought about how a beige sandstone building looks against a bright flower or sunset. I started with the tan suit fabric and then went hunting for the boldest magenta accessories I could find.

Your preparation process sounds very detailed, how many weeks or months in advance do you typically start working on your looks?

You need at least three or four months for sure. It’s a marathon! The initial month is purely sourcing, trying to track down a hat in that specific magenta shade, or making sure the double-breasted suit is tailored perfectly. You need that buffer time! Nothing worse than a key piece, like the velvet loafers, getting stuck in shipping or needing last-minute adjustments.

You prepare two complete looks and decide on the day based on energy and atmosphere, what ultimately tipped the scales for your winning choice this year and was there a specific detail in your winning outfit that you felt truly elevated the final result?

I always have a backup, but on the morning, the beige and magenta combination just felt like it had the ‘wow’ factor. What truly elevated it was the coordination of the footwear and headwear. Having those magenta loafers perfectly mirror the hat made the whole look cohesive. It showed intentionality—it wasn’t just a beige suit, it was an ensemble built around that striking colour palette.

When it comes to sourcing pieces, do you lean more towards local designers, international labels, vintage or custom pieces?

It’s a mix, but I often rely on great international tailoring for the core suit because of the fabric and cut, like this double-breasted one. However, the hat is usually custom or locally sourced, and the key accessories are often found from different places to get that specific colour match. It’s about being a global shopper but supporting local craftspeople for the final touches.

Does race day fashion allow you to express a different side of your style and personality compared to everyday wear?

Totally! Day-to-day, I’m the ‘minimalist, comfy clothes, black and white only’ kind of guy. Race day is my alter ego—it’s full-blown maximalism and theatrics! I get to play with bright colours, wild patterns, and formal hats that I would never wear to the supermarket. It’s like putting on a fun, stylish costume for a day. I love it.

What practical advice would you give for men entering Fashions in the Field for preparing their look, confidence and runway presence?

My advice is simple. 1. Nail the details: Forget the big suit for a second and focus on the tie, the shoes, the socks, and the pocket square—they make or break the look. 2. Everything has a reason: Don’t just wear a hat; make sure it complements the rest of your outfit. 3. Fake it ’til you make it: Practice your walk! Look like you own the outfit, walk slow, make eye contact, and have fun. Honestly, just go for it! If you need a little polish, come join one of my style classes!