8 Mar
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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’s take a sashay down memory lane to celebrate two-time The Ned Prix de Fashion winner Laura Williams (née Campbell), who first claimed the top spot in 2018 and then again in 2021—making history in our first-ever virtual competition.
Laura’s winning ensembles from 2018 (right) and 2021 (left)
Laura knows what it takes to shine on the runway. Now living on a hill country farm in Gisborne with her husband, Laura has transitioned from a life of glitz to one of gumboots but her passion for racewear remains strong. From crafting her award-winning 2021 look during a lockdown to navigating wardrobe malfunctions with creativity and poise, Laura reflects on the skills, friendships, and confidence she’s gained through the competition.
Where were you in your life when you won The Ned Prix de Fashion? What was happening for you outside the competition?
My 2021 win stands out the most for me here, I had just moved to Papamoa, had just started dating my husband and was going through the process of teaching him about this very foreign concept of fashions in the field! We were also in between the two Covid lockdowns but I had planned my outfit during the first one. With spare time on my hands, I had poured so much effort into that look and every detail was so considered, it was very rewarding to be recognised for that.
Looking back at your winning moment, what do you think made your outfit stand out to the judges?
For 2018, see below for my most unexpected moment!
For 2021, I think it was the video I submitted along with the photos. Instead of doing a range of different shots and angles, I took a risk and submitted a catwalk style video, as the lace ruffles moved so beautifully when I walked, and I was sad I couldn’t show that in photos. I think ultimately my joy from the dress and the way it bounced was what caught the judges’ attention.
What’s your favourite memory from the day you won The Ned Prix de Fashion?
In 2021, after being surprised in my office at work by the team and receiving the news, I called my great friend Gabby Cashmore (pictured left with Laura) who had taken the photos for me (sorry Ellerslie, I know I was supposed to keep it a secret for 48 hours!). Her reaction was amazing, and it was so cool to share the moment with somebody who understood what the Prix means.
What skills or lessons did you gain from competing that you still use today?
Definitely the confidence to believe in yourself and your vision and run with that. After years of crafting outfits that appeal to my personal style rather than catering to anybody else, I trust myself more in all aspects of my life now, whether that’s personal relationship, career or just being confident to say no when something doesn’t feel right.
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?
I am living on our farm in Gisborne, looking after a small zoo of animals and working as a financial analyst. My involvement hasn’t necessarily opened new doors for me in fashion, but it has given me some amazing friendships and experiences I never would have had otherwise. The stay friends and I had hosted by The Ned in Marlborough was a truly money can’t buy experience and after winning a year’s supply of the Ned in 2021, I definitely became a favourite dinner party guest!
In your opinion, what elements make a standout racewear outfit for the competition?
For me, a standout look is something that pushes the boundaries a little and is different to what I’ve seen before. It is worn with total confidence and my favourite looks have just a touch of effortlessness about them, as if the wearer spends their life wearing such intricate looks. Texture is a favourite of mine as well, whether that is like Lily Simon’s winning look in yellow or done through feathers like Eleanor Campbell’s Prix win in blue.
What trends or themes do you think will dominate the competition this season?
I have been loving the vintage and classic inspired looks that have been coming through in the regional qualifiers with gorgeous fabrics and interesting silhouettes, I think those outfits always draw you in for a closer look. But it is so hard, I am always blown away by everybody’s creativity with the Prix.
A moment for Laura’s Best Suited runner-up ‘look’ in the Australian Fashions on the Field final on Crown Oaks Day in Melbourne 2024
How do you think the competition has evolved since you won, and what’s your perspective on the changes?
I think the competition has gotten harder, with everybody stepping up year after year! New Zealand might be small, but we punch well above our weight in the fashion stakes, and it is a great place to hone your craft if you want to have a go competing internationally. I also think people are more confident with expressing their individuality with such a broad range of looks in the Prix in recent years which is fantastic.
What’s the single most important piece of advice you would give to someone competing for the first time?
Have fun and be true to your own style. At the end of the day, fashions in the field is a game of opinions and everybody has different style, including our judges. That means that what you perceive as your best outfit ever might bomb out, so you must be happy and proud to be wearing it yourself. Sashes and prizes are just bonuses to a fun day out with friends and getting glammed up!
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that happened to you during your competition journey?
When I won my first Prix title, I was wearing a dress with a tulle and ribbon skirt. While cheering for my friends who were in another heat, I stood up from my chair and put my heel through the skirt, tearing a 20cm slash in the skirt. To make it unnoticeable in the final, I had my hand on my skirt and kept swishing and twirling the skirt like a Spanish Flamenco dancer. The judges commented afterwards that it was my confidence and how much fun I had with my outfit that clinched it – which was completely accidental!
Have you ever had a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ or a last-minute panic before a competition? How did you handle it?
When I was competing in Melbourne at the end of last year, I ironed my suit pants on the morning of the Grand Final to make sure the crease down the front was crisp. The iron surged to full heat and melted/burnt my pants, leaving a black shiny mark the size of a fist on the front, about mid-calf. After sitting dead still and staring into space for five minutes trying not to cry, my husband literally ran to an art supplies store and returned with paint and an oil pastel, which we then used to try and colour the fabric back to its original colour! It ended up being a close match and I just made sure to stand with my other leg in front while on stage. I must have got away with it as I placed 2nd in the Australian National Final for Best Suited!
Laura, with her now-infamous singed pants, posing alongside other winners from the Best Dressed and Best Suited Australian Fashions on the Field national final in Melbourne 2024
What’s next for you in your fashion journey, and how do you stay inspired by racewear today?
I will be competing in NZ and Australia again, whether it is this season or next, I’m not sure yet. I’m inspired by interesting combinations and shapes both on other racewear competitors and on high fashion runways globally. I look for things that I haven’t seen before and think about how I could take that and make it suit my style and racewear guidelines. The possibilities are endless, and I think that’s why I still find building an outfit so rewarding even after doing it for so many years.
Laura, renowned for having one of the best runway walks in the business, has an array of fabulous looks to admire. Below is a curated selection for your viewing pleasure.
Think you have what it takes to go down in fashion history like Laura? 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. See our website for more details.
