“I have a 1 in 10 chance of winning, but I’m quietly confident that someone else will win it,” says a modest Elizabeth.
“I’m just so happy to be taking part in the final, representing Ellerslie, the home of racing in New Zealand, is a huge honour for me. It’s incredibly exciting.”
Elizabeth says there are all sorts of protocols associated with race-wear fashions.
“Black and white is the dress code for many Derby Days around the world. But this year’s Prix de Fashion, a celebration of the spring and summer racing fashion season, has allowed colour, but the notification came too late for me so I’m sticking with the traditional black and white.”
When I spoke to Elizabeth earlier in the week about her outfit, she was not entirely sure what she would wear but it was likely to be “a black top with lashings of cascading tulle and a large bow at the neck, teamed with a plain black pencil skirt with ruffle detail around the bottom edge”.
“The skirt is quite a contradiction — it’s plain but it has a ruffle, and it’s long and short, so there’s something there for everyone to like . . . and hate.
“Fashion is like art. It’s very subjective. There are always plenty of strong opinions for and against.”
The top was designed by Elizabeth and made by Gisborne dressmaker Rosalie Donovan of Dressmakers Quarter at the Poverty Bay Club.
And the all-important accessories?
Elizabeth’s Austrian friend Monika from Monika Neuhauser Millinery in Pirongia is making her head-wear.
“I took Moniker to a twilight meeting at Ellerslie in 2006 and admired the lovely headpiece in her hair.
“A decade later, she’s one of New Zealand’s most respected milliners so it has become a whole new career for her.
“Moniker is so creative. It’s awesome to see her flourish in business, doing something she loves.”
At 6ft tall, Elizabeth wears high heels for the elegant look not the height. But she will make sure her shoes are comfortable. Does such footwear exist? I ask, incredulous.
“Yes indeed. Gel pads are a girl’s best friend — they help to help make shoes a bit more comfortable,” she says.
Race-wear is an unusual genre all of its own, says Elizabeth.
“The look is elegant, feminine and stylish, not sexy, cocktail-style, or provocative evening-wear, or sporty day-wear.
“It’s high fashion with timeless style and sophistication, the complete look well co-ordinated with the right accessories.”
In days gone by, it was frowned upon for ladies to display their shoulders and arms at the races, says Elizabeth.
However, times have changed and that rule is obsolete, she says.
“It’s now commonplace to see women on the catwalks at the races in sleeveless tops and dresses. Nevertheless, there are still those who wouldn’t bare all in the arm department.”
Elizabeth is obeying the traditional protocol on Saturday, covering her shoulders and arms.
“The aim is to appear fashionable and feminine. The wide satin ‘belt’ is an absolute no no. You know the kind of dress I’m talking about . . . the brightly-coloured shiny, strapless number that sees the wearer pulling the frock up at one end to cover her boobs that are making a desperate bid to escape, and down at the other end to cover her butt.”
In her 41 years, Elizabeth has led many lives. A former international model and competitive equestrian, a riding accident in 2005 changed the course of her life.
A young horse Elizabeth was riding fell and landed on her, resulting in her suffering a brain injury which affected every aspect of her life.
Since then, she has become an outspoken brain injury awareness campaigner and an advocate for concussion prevention.
This includes stripping on a Gisborne beach for The Naked Challenge — “I would rather go naked than not wear a helmet” — to support International Helmet Awareness Day for riders and workers.
Waikato-born and raised, Elizabeth is an import to Gisborne — she came here three years ago to be with the man in her life, Fraser Brown.
A win on Saturday would not only see Elizabeth represent New Zealand at the 2017 Melbourne Cup Fashions in the Field event. Elizabeth and Fraser would also be jetting off to Hawaii on holiday as part of the Prix de Fashion prize package.
