Rotorua's stylish pair turn heads at races

A Rotorua designer and model have had a top five finish in the hotly-contested Prix de Fashion competition at the Ellerslie races.

Stevie-Lee Bartle modelled a dress designed by her cousin Adrienne Whitewood in the Derby Day fashion contest on Saturday.

The pair won a spot in the competition after winning the Fashions in the Field competition at the Rotorua races last October.

Ms Whitewood was disappointed not to have won the Prix de Fashion, as she thought the specially designed dress perfectly fitted the judges' criteria.

She said the tui and flax print was original and would have represented New Zealand well at the Victoria Racinwg Club's Fashions on the Field competition in Melbourne later this year - part of the winner's prize.

"We had everything they were looking for and they chose black and white," she said.

Despite not being a keen racegoer, Ms Whitewood said Derby Day - attended by many of Auckland's rich and famous - was an interesting experience.

"It was good to see what the women were wearing."

She said the competition was also about poise and the winner, Aucklander Olivia Moor, was "totally classy".

Ms Moor impressed the judges in a black and white outfit, with black leather gloves and a bespoke checkered leather headpiece that was created by her mother. She picked up more than $30,000 worth of prizes.

The event was judged by reigning Victoria Racing Club Fashions on the Field winner Chloe Moo, who was impressed with the high standard among the finalists.

"Olivia had a very polished and elegant outfit that she pulled off with grace and style. We were searching for a look that was sophisticated and modern but with some flair and excitement. Olivia's outfit captured this perfectly."

"We were really impressed with the high calibre among all the finalists."