Kate Lynch in an earlier visit to Ellerslie. Today she will be wearing an orange Natalie Chan number. Photo / Herald on Sunday
Up to 25,000 people could flock to the Boxing Day racing carnival at Ellerslie today but the horses seem a minor attraction.
Even the traditional Fashion in the Field is at risk of being overshadowed by 180 tonnes of sand and six truckloads of water shipped in to transform an
area in the centre of the track into a makeshift beach for a social cricket tournament.
But Auckland's fashion pack insist fashion remains the day's staple and, as an incentive, the best-dressed will take home a Mercedes-Benz C200 sports car.
Viva Fashion in the Field judge Amanda Linnell said she would be looking for women - and men - with outfits that showed flair and personality.
"The key point is to look elegant, sophisticated and polished, but also playful. You need to consider the look from head to toe and it needs to be cohesive. It's a fine art," she said.
Race wear designer Natalie Chan is dressing a host of local celebrities and horse-breeding families, including TV3's Kate Lynch. She will wear a playful knee-length dress set alive by an orange, coral and yellow print. "It's very stylish, very Carrie Bradshaw and very 'Kate'," Chan said.
Chan was opting for a canary yellow empire-line number with a fitted bodice and voluminous skirt and accessorising with an "over-the-top" head piece and pink stilettos.
Men are also reaching for colour instead of traditional grey or black suits.
Working Style creative director Eddie Von Dadelszen said "petrol blue" was a trend, as were slimmer ties and shorter trousers. Brown shoes and Fedora hats also looked sharp for smart day wear, Von Dadelszen said. He warned men against being "matchy-matchy" with their partners. "There are more subtle ways to reference each other," he said.
Local musicians will play "unplugged" from 3.30pm. BYO booze is off the agenda but the champagne will flow from the bars on site.
