Gemma Kirk | Meet the 2023 The Ned Prix de Fashion Qualifiers

Gemma secured her spot for The Ned Prix de Fashion on New Zealand Cup Day meaning she represents Canterbury Jockey Club. After recently becoming a digital finalist in VRC’s Myer Fashions on the Field, will her winning ways be set to continue in the country’s national fashions in the field final?

We chat to Gemma as she prepares her entry into the competition.

Gemma walking the catwalk on New Zealand Cup Day in her qualifying outfit

What inspired your outfit that you’ve got planned for The Ned Prix de Fashion this year?

My inspiration for this outfit came from Jackie Kennedy. I’ve always loved her gracious personal style, classic yet modern, and it resonated with my own personal style.

I also knew that my outfit needed something to elevate it, so I’ve incorporated a design inspiration from this season’s Valentino collection in the back detail, lending drama, power and old-school elegance. I knew this is what my outfit needed! My vision was coming to life! Now it was just about bringing it all together and adding the finishing touches. After many weeks I finally had my perfect look and with the help of my dressmaker and milliner, we started making this vision come to life.

Gemma was a digital finalist in VRC’s Myer Fashions on the Field Best Dressed competition for 2022

How long have you been entering FITF competitions?

Four years. The first time I entered was in the summer of 2019 at Riccarton Park. I had no idea what I was doing or letting myself in for and was blown away by the amazing outfits everyone had put together. The bug has now well and truly bit me!

Is it all about the ‘sash’? What keeps you entering FITF competitions?

Of course, everyone at the end of the day wants the honour of being awarded the ‘sash’ but it’s also a celebration to me that what you have personally put together is worthy of this title. We all put a lot of time and effort into creating our vision and to be able to show this and for people to love it truly is the icing on the cake.

Gemma pictured four years ago in her first-ever fashions in the field entry

Who are your fashion icons when it comes to racewear?

Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Olivia Palermo, Kate Middleton, Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez – a mixed bag of classic style with a modern edge.

What’s your number one rule for a racewear look?

I think it is very important to stick to who you are in the FITF competitions. It is very easy to get caught up in what you think people and judges want to see and you can easily get lost along the way. Believe in yourself and you will shine through. And of course smile!

What one word would you use to describe your outfit you’ve got planned for this year’s The Ned Prix de Fashion?

The Ned Prix de Fashion is New Zealand’s national fashions in the field final. There’s still time to enter the opening round with entries closing on the 23rd of April.