Derby diva praises daughters for tips

Stacey Hanley poses for photographers. Photo / Chris Loufte

A few clicks of a mouse and nods of approval from her two young daughters won Stacey Hanley the top title at yesterday's BMW Derby Day Fashions in the Field.

The fashion event at the Ellerslie Races saw the Pukekohe hairdresser take the prize, valued at $30,000, with a stunning ensemble she bought piece by piece over the internet.

The honeycomb-patterned dress by Australian designer Toni Maticevski fitted the Derby Day tradition of black and white, as did the shoes and handbag from Melbourne and hat from the UK.

Hanley's look impressed judges Amber Peebles, Tracey Dalton and Robert Niwa, who picked her from 18 finalists - including five men.

"I am so, so happy, absolutely thrilled," Hanley said.

"I bought everything online and my daughters Emma and Grace helped, they had a lot of input."

Harley started planning in December to allow for everything to arrive from overseas.

Emma, 13, and Grace, 9, took photos and filmed their mum, perfecting her catwalk and giving her plenty of tips.

"It was quite stressful but when everything came together I was just stoked."

The $30,000 prize includes a $15,000 three-month lease of a BMW X1, a $5000 holiday at the Hilton Lake Taupo, a $5000 trip to Honolulu, shopping sprees and beauty products.