Pauline Pattullo | Meet The Ned Prix de Fashion wild cards

Pauline was one of the four lucky ladies to secure a ‘wild card’ spot in The Ned Prix de Fashion for 2023. We chat with Pauline ahead of this year’s grand finalist announcement to learn more about her fashions in the field journey to date.

Pauline’s entry for The Ned Prix de Fashion 2023

Can you tell us a little bit about the outfit you qualified in?

Without a doubt, it would have to be one of my absolute favourite outfits I’ve worn. The colours are fresh and have a spring feel about them, it’s super comfortable and the dress comes complete with pockets. I fell in love with my ombre millinery from the minute I saw it and the detail in it is just incredible.

How long have you been entering fashions in the field competitions?

I think it must be close to 10 years!

My Mum, after a lot of persuasion, encouraged me to enter my first one as we were walking past at Addington.

Pauline’s qualifying ensemble for last year’s The Ned Prix de Fashion

What’s your favourite trend you are seeing in racing fashion at the moment?

I am loving the resurgence of face veiling and can’t wait to incorporate some into my 2023 looks.

Who are your fashion icons when it comes to racewear?

I love Kate Waterhouse and her style. I’m also always constantly in awe of the Australian girls who keep the bar raised high – Dettie May, Stacey Hemera Roberts, Emma Scodellaro, to name just a few.

Kate Waterhouse -one of Pauline’s racewear muses

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

The sash is a huge enticement I’m not going to lie and there’s no better feeling than winning a sash. But as the FITF community is relatively small in New Zealand and we all know one another, it’s also very social and a great day out with friends who all share a similar passion, which keeps me going back for more.

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

Look polished. Hair, makeup, nails, spray tan. I don’t feel like any look for me is complete without ticking these off. It’s all in the details.

I also think you must love what you wear. If you feel good, that really shines through.

Pauline was a grand finalist in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2022

Why should raceday attendees get involved in fashions in the field?

It would be wonderful to see events grow in entrant numbers. It’s free for anyone to enter and it’s a great way to meet new people. I’ve made many friends through fashion events and it’s a lot of fun. It’s a process to put an outfit together but it’s an awesome feeling when you achieve a placing or sash for your efforts. It’s also great seeing your fashion style and everyone else’s evolve.

What’s your favourite raceday on the calendar?

It would have to be New Zealand Cup & Show Week. It’s a week of thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing in Canterbury. A really social week that’s loads of fun and it caters for everyone.

If you could visit any raceday in the world, which one would it be?

There are three on my list I would love to attend; Royal Ascot (with my UK-based sister), the Dubai World Cup and the Kentucky Derby.

Do you follow horse racing as well or is fashions in the field where it’s at for you on raceday?

I do. I breed and race standardbreds and have a small share in a galloper. You’ll often find me at the races when there’s no fashion events, but I love when the two collide.

Pauline (middle) celebrating one of her standardbred’s wins at Waterlea Raceway in Blenheim