Entering fashions in the field

Ever wondered what’s it’s like entering fashions in the field? Or if you’re keen to enter, what to wear? Thread had a go at Ellerslie at Saturday’s Derby Day at the Mercedes Prix de Fashion and got to the semi-finals but sadly didn’t win a car…

Ever wondered what’s it’s like entering fashions in the field? Or if you’re keen to enter, what to wear?

Thread had a go at Ellerslie on Saturday’s Telecom Derby Day at the Mercedes Prix de Fashion, and amazingly got to the semi-finals but sadly didn’t win a car.

The woman who won looked amazing Australian Kelli Odell, wearing an Australian design. But plenty of entrants wear local NZ designers, or something they’ve made, or vintage. Some wear off-the-rack High Street labels – one finalist wore Country Road – and Trelise Cooper gets more than a look in.

First up is the (free) registration process. You can either pre-register online at www.aucklandcupweek.co.nz to save time or turn up on the day at the Registration Marquee in the Mercedes Fashion Village. Registration opens at 10.30am and close at approximately 12.15pm.

You’ll be given a number and a heat (1 through 5) and a time to show up at the side of stage in the fashion village. About 140 enter and a tenth of them go through to the semi-finals and then one competes with winners from around the country and a lucky winner is chosen to take away the $100,000 package including a Mercedes Benz Coupe to keep.

The tricky part is deciding what to wear. Don’t go too evening wear-y, some girls had strapless satin dresses. It’s definitely daywear. Hats have replaced feathery fascinators. No-one in trousers got in. You don’t have to wear the traditional black and white colours of Derby Day when you enter; any colour goes!

Below: MC Stacy Morrison introduces each entrant with her characteristic wit and charm.

Thread’s Megan on stage thinking, "Don’t judge me!" Just kidding. You’re there to be judged.

Waiting side of stage. Quite envious of all the girls who wore wide-brimmed hats – instead of headbands- with the killer sun beating down.

Entrants queue in numerical order to go on stage.

May the best dressed win! Good luck to you all.

See what the winner Kelli Odell wore in 2010
Find out what people were wearing for Derby Day 2010 fashions
Read about what Claire Hahn, Prix de Fashion winner 2009 recommends for racing style tips

By Megan Robinson, 6 March 2010.