Vintage dress steals the show

Meg Wilson, winner of the Viva supreme award. Photo / Joe Mansell

A 22-year-old woman in a borrowed 1960s dress has won the annual Fashions in the Field title at the Boxing Day Races at Ellerslie.

Meg Wilson, who is about to embark on a law career with Auckland firm Hesketh Henry, said it felt amazing to win the Viva supreme award at the races yesterday, wearing a special dress that belongs to a close family friend.

"It's just been the best day ... that was the best Christmas present I've ever had," she said moments after the win was announced.

The knee-length dress, made from Thai silk, was loaned to her by Christine Newenham. It belonged to Ms Newenham's mother, Vans Dobbie, who died five years ago, aged 86.

Ms Newenham said her mother was renowned in fishing circles as the only female woman fishing boat owner and skipper in Auckland's fishing fleet in the 1970s.

Although she owned and worked on a boat, she was also a very elegant woman.

"She had incredible style, she was very beautiful. She would have been so thrilled.

"She kept it [the dress] for years and when she passed away I kept it. It's just so classically beautiful that all I could do was just hang on to it.

"When Meg said she wanted to go to the races, I thought, 'I've got the perfect dress for her to wear."'

Ms Wilson's hat - kindly sponsored by her mother as part of her Christmas present - was made by Diane Dudley at Urban Turbans in Devonport.

She said the win had inspired her to enter again.

"I've got lots of ideas for next year."

Other category winners spoke of days spent slaving over sewing machines, with Christchurch woman Maria Wright, winner of the Canvas Ladies Racewear category, taking a week to sew her hat.

This was quite a contrast to Cathay Pacific Menswear winner Luke Christiansen, 24, who won the section in a Christ's College blazer which he bought off Trade Me for $100, a cane he made himself and a $2 Shop tie - which he chopped up and made into a ribbon for his hat and matching handkerchief for his blazer pocket.

"My sewing is absolutely terrible, so don't pay too much attention."

About 20,000 people attended the races, creating a sea of suits, fancy frocks and frilly fascinators.

Among the guests in the VIP area was Wellington property developer and owner of the Phoenix football team Terry Serepisos.

Mr Serepisos, who is selling off assets to pay more than $3 million in taxes, said he had not yet had a chance to place a bet when the Herald spoke to him.

He had been to the event for about eight of the past 10 years.

"I'm enjoying it. It's always a great day, to come to the Auckland races."