KEY POINTS:
There's no one like Mum to help you take home a fashion title and a new car, reckons Charlotte Moor.
The 19-year-old Auckland University student won the supreme award and the under-25 category at Viva Fashions in the Field, part of the New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival at
Ellerslie Racecourse yesterday.
Ms Moor's mother, Alison, put together her floaty white dress. "She found this trim of bead a while ago and she's been inspired by it," Charlotte Moor said. "It's a vintage trim - she's a wonderful creative woman."
Sweetening the win was three months' free use of a red Mercedes-Benz CLC 200K coupe.
"I have got a car, but I've got to give it back in a few days - I've been borrowing," said Ms Moor.
"Geez, it's going to be bloody fabulous driving this around."
On a scorcher of a day, about 20,000 arrived for one of the racing calendar's biggest days - the 151st Boxing Day celebrations at Ellerslie.
Many were there for the racing and to have a flutter, but at least as many were there to enjoy a day out and arrived with chillybins and picnic hampers.
Ms Moor was joined by winners in five other categories in a spectacular display of raceday fashion - the avant-garde category even included a sci-fi jockey in Ellerslie colours.
But it was the Butler family who remained crowd favourites throughout the day.
Kel Butler and sons Mitchell, 12, Tanner, 9, and Logan, 4, entered the men's section in suits inspired by the Kentucky Derby but which probably owed more to 1920s glamour.
Mr Butler said his sons "looked a million bucks" and were his secret weapons.
"They're my accessories - the girls have got hats and handbags, I've got the boys."
But Sue Rikys met only disappointment in her 21st attempt to become a Boxing Day winner.
The 56-year-old made the hat final - her first in 10 years - with a side-sprouting green, gold and red number, but she was beaten by a blue feathery creation.
"I was a bit disappointed I didn't win," she said. "I thought the winner was a bit nondescript."
But she won't be sitting around sulking, though - the new outfit for the next racing fashion event needs only its finishing touches.
She promises it'll be loud.
"It's orange - I look like one of those terracotta warriors."