Kiwiana claims dividends

The top three in the Fashions in the Field, from left, winner Stevie-Lee Bartle, Stacey Hanley and Rebecca Firth. Photo / Stephen Parker

The winning entry in this year's Fashions in the Field competition at the Rotorua Plate Day was inspired by a piupiu, a traditional Maori skirt.

The costume called Ahu was designed by Rotorua's Adrienne Whitewood and worn by her cousin Stevie-Lee Bartle.

Ms Bartle said the pair were really nervous beforehand as it was a high fashion design but she thought they had a good chance of winning.

"I am super proud of my cousin, she is so clever at what she does. She does all the hard work and I get all the credit."

Ms Whitewood said she chose something iconic as she was looking for something representative of Rotorua.

Ahu is embellished by horse accessories and was powder blue leather over grey upholstery fabric.

"I like to use things that aren't generic, that look a bit different," Ms Whitewood said.

The pair were thrilled with their prizes which included Novotel packages and entry into Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie.

TRAC marketing and sponsorship manager Don Patterson said thousands of people turned out to Arawa Park on Saturday to enjoy the glamour and excitement of race day.

He said it was perfect "Goldilock's weather" which accounted for the full stands and front lawn.

"It was not too hot and not too cold."

Mr Patterson said he was pleased with the quality of entries in the Fashions in the Field competition.

"[It's] always hard as Rotorua is one of the first fashion competitions in the season and often the outfits were not assembled."

He said last year's Fashions in The Field winner, Claudia Campbell, went on to win Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie.

Mr Patterson said the racing also went well, with lots of close finishes.