Fashion imagination comes out tops at Vodafone Derby Day

Vodafone Derby Day fashion at Ellerslie. Winner and Judges. L-R Georgia Connolly, Tracey Dalton, Hannah Carson, Amber Peebles, Janetta Mackay. Photo / Supplied

A good use of imagination and style has earned a young model the top fashion title at the start of this year's Auckland Cup Week.

Hannah Carson, of Auckland, was named the winner of the Viva Prix de Fashion competition title at the Vodafone Derby Day today.

The 29-year-old model is a former Miss New Zealand International and is now the director of Miss Auckland and choreographer for Miss World New Zealand.

Her outfit consisted of a customised H&M dress that featured flowers and a stylish hat created by Auckland milliner Clare Hahn.

The judges were impressed with the look, which they dubbed fresh and said created a simple silhouette.

The judging panel was made up of Amber Peebles, Tracey Dalton, Georgia Connolly and Janetta Mackay.

Head judge Mackay praised Carson's style, saying: "She used her imagination to combine high street fashion with a twist of couture.

"Her hair, makeup and overall finish was impeccable. We were really impressed.''

Carson receives a prize pack worth more than $20,000 and includes a trip to this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.

She will represent New Zealand in the Fashions on the Field competition there.

Today's Viva Prix de Fashion contest was held at the Shakespeare Pop Up Globe theatre in Ellerslie - providing an impressive backdrop to the event.