17 May
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100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, Auckland
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This prestigious competition, synonymous with sophistication and creativity, continues to be the ultimate showcase of racewear excellence. With a coveted sash and an impressive prize package on the line, The Ned Prix de Fashion remains the pinnacle of style on New Zealand’s racing calendar.
As we mark this incredible milestone, we take a look back at some of the competition’s standout winners- celebrating their unique journeys, unforgettable ensembles, and the legacy they’ve left on this beloved event. And with that, let us take a sashay down memory lane to 2020, when Canterbury farmer and style maven, Katie Flett won The Ned Prix de Fashion.
Here Katie reflects on her journey with racewear fashion and what winning the competition meant to her.
Supreme winner Katie with the other grand finalists and winners on the day.
Where were you in your life when you won The Ned Prix de Fashion? What was happening
for you outside the competition?
I was dairy farming in South Canterbury in a place called Temuka, with four girls aged from 3-15 years old. We were working towards buying our first dairy farm which we finally achieved a few years later.
Katie in her winning outfit, what she describes as a bit quirky, cohesive, and a mix of modern and vintage.
Looking back at your winning moment, what do you think made your outfit stand out to the judges?
It was quite different. The millinery was different and borderline risky. It could have gone one way or the other. It was a bit quirky but all very cohesive and a mix of modern and vintage.
What’s your favourite memory from the day you won The Ned Prix de Fashion?
Having my daughter Grace with me and Ali Moore. I remember walking off stage and the first thing I said to Ali Moore was, “Can you make your spaghetti bolognese for dinner as a treat?” – it’s truly amazing.
One of Katie’s highlights when winning The Ned Prix de Fashion was having daughter Grace by her side.
What skills or lessons did you gain from competing that you still use today?
One of the skills I learnt was dealing with disappointment when you don’t win – you put so much time and effort into a look and when you truly love it you really feel the judges should too. But as time went on I became more comfortable and at peace with whatever the outcome was, I was there to be part of a much bigger picture and that was being around great company and great fashion.
When I was competing, I met a lot of wonderful ladies and built relationships encouraging each other and sharing that passion for fashion and putting amazing outfits together.
I’m still so passionate and love helping ladies these days, I get a lot of joy out of making women feel good. 
What are you up to these days? Has your involvement in The Ned Prix de Fashion opened new doors for you in the fashion world or beyond?
We bought a dairy farm just out of Christchurch, so when I can I jump at the opportunity to get out of the gumboots and head to the track. I am very much involved, I feel like a camp mum a bit with Anna Campbell.
I am the fashion ambassador for Riccarton, and I get up to Ellerslie as much as I can and help the team out.
I just love getting amongst it – it’s a good excuse to get off the farm.
Katie with judges (from left) Sarah Stuart, Crystal Kimber, Hannah Marinkovich, Aliesha Mitchell and Carena West.
In your opinion, what elements make a standout racewear outfit for the competition?
The fit of a garment to the body shape, cohesiveness and something that makes you say, “Oh now that’s clever” and of course millinery that complements the look. I like something modern and not too busy or getting too costume-like. You must remember that it’s a day out at the races.
What trends or themes do you think will dominate the competition this season?
I’m not actually sure! There have been so many different looks this year, maybe some more pants or suited looks?
It’s all in the details. A closer look at Katie’s winning outfit.
How do you think the competition has evolved since you won, and what’s your perspective on the changes?
I think people are getting so good at putting together unpredictable looks and taking more
risks which is making it all more exciting.
What’s the single most important piece of advice you would give to someone competing for the first time?
Don’t rush on stage, take your time and ask questions. Don’t be shy, all the regular girls love helping newbies!
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that happened to you during your competition journey?
There’s been lots of funny moments, from having a fellow entrant trying to glue my dress together with eyelash glue at the Adelaide Cup, having an incident up the escalator at Flinders Station in Melbourne, then nearly missing finals at Ellerslie as I was breastfeeding a newborn. All the ladies were like, “Whereabouts is Katie? Find her!”
Katie with baby Heidi who almost made mum miss The Ned Prix de Fashion finals one year.
What’s next for you in your fashion journey, and how do you stay inspired by racewear today?
These days I do quite a lot of judging and will always head to Melbourne to compete when I can. I haven’t competed in New Zealand since winning The Ned Prix de Fashion back in 2020 and that’s how I will keep it as I’ve achieved what I wanted to here.
Below are some standout looks Katie has dazzled us with in recent years. Whether she’s judging or competing or being ‘camp mum’, Katie always looks impeccable.
Think you have what it takes to go down in fashion history like Katie? The Ned Prix de Fashion finals are happening THIS Saturday, March 8 on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day at Ellerslie. Although entry into The Ned Prix de Fashion is by pre-qualification only, four lucky women will have ONE final chance to qualify as ‘wild cards’ for the final in the ForEver SOPHIE Permanent Jewellery Fashion Qualifiers. Click here for more details.
