Yulia Marsh | Meet The Ned Prix de Fashion Qualifiers

Is it second time’s the charm for Yulia? Yulia Marsh has once again earned her place in The Ned Prix de Fashion national final by being named the overall winner on Wellington Cup Day.

Read on to learn more about Yulia’s road to The Ned Prix de Fashion 2023 where she will represent Wellington Racing Club…….

We love how Yulia expresses her style through fun colours

Firstly, congratulations on qualifying for The Ned Prix de Fashion for a second year running. We are all very excited to see what you wear for this year’s Regional Final. Can you tell us a little bit about the outfit you qualified in?

It was a white embroidered dress from Zimmermann. It was my first Zimmermann purchase, and I made it about three years ago. I have been hooked on that brand ever since. They create so many beautiful items and they always fit me perfectly.

Maria Wright made me a special hat for the dress, a petal hat with waved brim. That hat was big and beautiful, a showstopper in itself!

I wore a white bag with white shoes, so my outfit was mainly white with a touch of lilac which looked very fresh and summery.

Can you tell us what inspired your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion 2023 and what one word would you use to describe it?

Exquisite. I always wanted to do something with “ombré” fabrics as I’ve found this trend always looks effective and fresh. It was inspired by gentle aqua colours of nature… think something like ‘the sea at dawn’ or ‘the sky at sunrise’.

Yulia’s entry into the Adashiko Fashion Qualifiers which saw her qualify for The Ned Prix de Fashion 2022

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

I first entered ten years ago with self-made millinery and I made the semifinals in Riccarton. But it’s only in the last five years that I have been entering quite regularly.

Is it all about the ‘sash’? What keeps you entering fashions in the field competitions?

Absolutely! Who doesn’t like to have a sash? There are lots of other reasons too of course; to catch up with my fellow contestants, have photos taken, to make memories of a special day and to support fashions in the field and the racing industry by participating. I also love the preparation process like getting my hair and make-up done.

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

To wear something that feels like “me”. I won’t wear something that might be fabulous but isn’t my style.

Are there any trends you’ve seen on the runway or high street this year that you’d like to see make an appearance on the racing fashion stage?

Something dramatic- like flared out dresses with underskirts, metallic fabrics and 3D floral details like huge flower corsages!

What’s your favourite raceday on the season calendar?

Usually it is Christchurch Cup and Show Week- a line-up of great events almost every day in my hometown.

Yulia snapped on the runway here competing in Fashions in the Field at the SkyCity Boxing Day Races 2020

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

The Lexus Melbourne Cup

Who are your fashion icons when it comes to racewear?

Audrey Hepburn’s elegance is never out of style. If we talk about these days-

Viera Macikova from Australia is very inspiring. I love all her looks, they are so original and chic. Also Kristina Vasko. And I also particularly love Stephanie Spencer’s big hats.

What is your top tip for a day at the races?

Bring a comfortable spare of shoes!

The Ned Prix de Fashion is New Zealand’s national fashions in the field final. There’s still time to enter the opening round with entries closing on the 23rd of April.