From Tamahere to Top Five: Sarah Morris' Experience Of The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025

Sarah Morris, an IT consultant and mother of two from Tamahere, made her mark on the world of raceday fashion as a grand finalist in the 20th edition of The Ned Prix de Fashion, held here at Ellerslie on 8 March 2025.

Her elegant and polished style impressed the judges, seeing her progress through the competition to be named as a Grand Finalist.

Sarah’s journey began with a standout performance at Wellington Cup Day, where she claimed both the Classic Lady of the Day and Supreme Winner titles.

We chatted with Sarah to learn more about the insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her stylish look from 8 March.

Congratulations on being chosen as a Grand Finalist for The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025. How did you feel about the event on the day and being part of the competition?

Thank you, I hadn’t been to a racing event at Ellerslie for a very long time and was quite nervous when I walked through the gate. The Ned Fashion Garden [hospitality precinct, pictured below] was easy to find and the registration process was very straightforward.

There were so many beautiful outfits and it was great to be standing alongside such a strong standard of entrants – I loved being part of the competition.

Sarah at the registration desk on the day of The Ned Prix de Fashion

Can you share any memorable or unexpected moments from the day that stood out to you?

The best and most unexpected moment was when my name and number was called out putting me into the top five.

I also went to the [oncourse] Barfoot & Thompson Glam Lounge before I was due on stage where they helped get my fringe to sit perfectly.

They were wonderful! I made a point of going back once I had my sash to share the excitement.

The Barfoot & Thompson Glam Lounge was an important destination for many a racegoer on the day.

What was the inspiration and creative process behind your ensemble? What elements or themes did you aim to showcase?

My qualifying outfit was my inspiration and I used that as my starting point for creating the outfit that I wore on the day.

I was going for feminine and elegant incorporating my favourite colour into a monochrome look.

How long did it take to prepare for the competition, and what were some of the challenges you faced during the process?

I had about seven weeks to get organised after I qualified at Wellington Cup Day in January.

The most challenging part of the process was finding a hairdresser that wasn’t booked for a wedding at this time of year.

How do you ensure your personal style shines through while also meeting the judging criteria for a competition like this?

I enjoy a polished elegant look and I think that’s key for a competition like this. I’m sure there are lots of rules I’m still unaware of, maybe this helped not knowing and overthinking the process too much, I was focused on items that I was really wanting to wear that I loved.

How has New Zealand’s unique fashion landscape influenced your style and approach to racewear? Are there local designers or milliners that inspire you?

Yes definitely, I haven’t been competing in the fashion for very long but I have been admiring all the New Zealand milliners for years.

Jill Humphries is such an inspiration, she has created a successful business doing what she loves.

She’s a true Kiwi success story!

Melbourne-based Kiwi milliner Jill Humphries sat on this year’s judging panel of The Ned Prix de Fashion and is someone Sarah looks up to.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to compete in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026?
Choose an outfit that you love, invest in quality millinery and book your hairdresser early!

What’s next for you after the competition?
Waikato Cup Day is my local raceday that I attend and support every year, It’s such a fun day out – I’ll definitely be there again this year! The Melbourne Cup would be amazing to attend too, I haven’t booked anything yet… we will see!