Spy: Racing Fashion a Go!

Auckland Cup Week begins on Saturday with Derby Day at Ellerslie. It's one of the best events of the season, mixing the high jinks of the horsey set with the cream of the social scene.

If there's one person you want to impress during Cup Week it's Westfield Ambassador Amber Peebles. She will judge Derby Day fashion and the following Auckland Cup Day fashion for BMW Fashion in the Field - and it's a big deal. A $30,000 prize package is up for grabs for the most stylish.

We caught up with Peebles direct from London, where she was interviewing the Game of Thrones cast for Sky TV ahead of the season-six premiere.

"Cup Week is a great opportunity to plan a day out with your friends," she said. "Get dolled up and have a friendly punt. It's important to make yourself aware of the 'race wear' dress code, but your personal style needs to come through.

"I am a sucker for the matchy-matchyness of it all and have been known to whip up a hand-made not-so-fascinating fascinator the night before. Have a bit of fun and always aim for class."

There are two glamorous new additions this year for those who want to see and be seen.
Champagne Mumm is to celebrate with the launch of the Mumm Racing Village and another new partner for the Auckland Racing Club is Swisse, the wellness brand that made a splash bringing Oprah Winfrey to here last year.

It will launch the Swisse Glasshouse, a botanical haven at the heart of the action.