Sew, Press, Slay: Sheree Sheehan’s Creative Path to The Ned Prix de Fashion

Sheree Sheehan, a passionate racewear enthusiast from Waikato, showcased her colourful style in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025, earning a coveted Grand Finalist sash and trophy.

Representing Ellerslie after her win in Maman Fashions In the Field at the SkyCity Boxing Day Races, Sheree brought her signature creativity, bold use of colour, and love for intricate textures to the runway.

With the picture-perfect backdrop of an Auckland raceday, she celebrated alongside family and friends after bringing her unique vision to life.

Congratulations on being chosen as a grand finalist for The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025 and being part of the competition.

Auckland really turned on the weather for us! What a stunning day for the races. I was extremely lucky to have my beautiful family and friends there supporting me and enjoying the fabulous hospitality Ellerslie has to offer.

I especially loved the walk-through organised for us [regional finalists] into the Racing Her Way marquee [pictured below] prior to the competition starting – every entrant looked breathtaking.

I was so excited to be there representing Ellerslie and incredibly proud of how everything came together on the day.

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

I had a wonderful morning with all my friends and family getting ready, just a short walk from the racecourse, and made a weekend of it as I’d just celebrated my 40th birthday.

We spent some time pressing my skirt, and I even sewed an extra piece onto the front of my outfit that morning – I wasn’t sure about it, but once it was on, I knew it was complete.

Hearing my number called out as a grand finalist was such a memorable and overwhelming moment.

I absolutely adored my outfit and had poured so much creativity into it, so to have it appreciated by the amazing judging panel was just incredible.

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

My inspiration was bold colour to celebrate the end of summer – and texture! Not just in the fabrics but in the colour scheme too: a mix of ombré, colour-blocking, and plenty of structural detail with pleats, scallops, and ruffles.

I finished it with a touch of sparkle to send off the season in style.

I had an old dress I wanted to breathe new life into, and it matched perfectly with a stunning hat I had made by Rebecca Share.

That’s where the inspiration really kicked off.

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

I started browsing on Boxing Day evening, right after I won the day’s Maman Fashions in the Field competition at Ellerslie.

My original concept didn’t quite come together – one key piece wasn’t going to arrive in time – so I pivoted.

I reworked something I already owned, mixing in a few new pieces I loved.

I only picked up the altered outfit two days before the event on 6 March, and it wasn’t until I tried it on with my hat and accessories that I really saw the vision come to life.

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

The best advice I can give is to know what suits your body, your personality, and the colours that work for you.

Trends are a great place to start, but always make the look your own.

When you love what you’ve created, it shows.

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

I like to draw inspiration from trends and colour palettes, but I always put my own twist on things to suit a raceday look.

I love mixing pieces from different collections and was lucky to have a fabulous dressmaker – Cheryle from The Tailoress in Cambridge – who helped bring my vision to life.

It was definitely a “trust the process” journey!

I have huge admiration for the skills involved in creating millinery and am lucky to now own some truly special pieces.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to compete in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2026?

Absolutely follow the famous Nike slogan – just do it! It’s such a fun and creative way to express yourself through fashion. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good excuse to dress up?

What’s next for you?

I’ll definitely be back next season – I’ve still got so many ideas I want to bring to life!  It’s such a creative outlet for me.

And I’m seriously considering a trip across the ditch for a few of the Australian racedays.