Winning form

Claire Hahn. Photo / Greg Bowker

Claire Hahn confesses to being "truly passionate about raceday fashion and events". The 28-year-old lives with her partner Greg and 2-year-old son in Takapuna where she runs The Designer Trader - a company dedicated to selling pre-loved designer garments alongside excess stock from retailers and designers.

When it comes to entering events like Fashion in the Field at the New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival at Ellerslie this Boxing Day, Hahn knows her stuff.

"The first raceday competition I entered was the 2006 Boxing Day Deutz Fashion in the Field at Ellerslie where I won both the under-25 section and the Supreme award. I entered the fashion competition as I am passionate about fashion and style and can be a bit of a show pony!"

With the bit between her teeth, so to speak, Claire went on to be in the final of the 2008 Mercedes Prix de Fashion and the winner of the 2009 Mercedes Prix de Fashion. She also attended the Melbourne Racing Spring Carnival where she made the top 10 finals in both the Melbourne Cup and Crown Oaks day competitions.

"I strongly encourage anyone thinking about entering at this year's event to take the plunge.

"It is such a well-run event and so enjoyable to be a part of it, not just the day itself but also the process of putting your look together."

Describe your winning outfit at the 2006 Boxing Day event.

I think this outfit was a winner as it was something different and fresh. I wore an off-the-rack maxi dress from Drop Dead Gorgeous in Newmarket with a custom-made Kevin Berkhan fascinator. This was the perfect example of incorporating fashion trends and translating them into wearable raceday attire.

What about the 2009 Prix de Fashion outfit?

I won this event wearing a 1930s-inspired 3.1 Phillip Lim crystal embellished blouse, worn over a red Paul and Joe knit jersey dress. I finished the look with a vintage cloche hat and gloves. At the time, nude tones were popular on the international runways and I think the judges appreciated the pop of colour with the red skirt and the traditional but unique style of the vintage cloche.

And what did you wear to the 2009 Melbourne Cup?

I wore a vintage champagne lace dress with matching over-top finished off with a vintage sinamay headpiece, gloves and clutch. Wearing vintage is the perfect way to guarantee you won't be in the same outfit as somebody else. I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it and it fits like it had been made for me. I chose a dark plum lipstick in keeping with the old world glamour theme - good raceday outfits are ones that take all the small details into account.

What is the secret to dressing successfully for the races?

Successful raceday attire is about finding the perfect balance between traditional and fashion forward trends. Racewear should be elegant, sophisticated, but more importantly, it is daywear. It should be ladylike and demure, keeping embellishment to a minimum and banishing micro-minis and plunging necklines.

Consider your look from head to toe and how it all works as a whole. Small details such as your accessories and hairstyle should have just as much thought as your dress or your headpiece.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I tend to choose one stand-out piece - it may be the headwear, jacket, clutch or jewels - and build my ensemble around it. I like to avoid being too "matchy matchy". Contrasting textures and colours are a more modern approach to sophisticated raceday style.

Should one always wear a hat?

Race days are one of the rare opportunities to go to town with a headpiece and they really are a must. For first-timers, wearing a hat can be a little intimidating - so opt for something smaller and perfectly formed. Full brimmed, cloche, headband or fascinator - whatever you choose it should work with both your face shape and hairstyle. A good supply of hair clips is a must but do make sure they are well hidden.

Racewear "no-nos"?

Whatever you choose to wear to a raceday event, you should feel confident and comfortable. Make sure your headpiece is secure and your heels well broken in. There is nothing worse than seeing young ladies leaving the track with fascinator and heels in hand. I believe a true lady should leave the track as she arrived.

What are the individual details that you think set you apart?

I have a strong sense of attention to detail and of my own personal style. As with all good fashion, the best looks are the ones that suit your colouring, body type and personality.

Any other style tips?

Remember your SPF! Boxing Day sun can be very harsh, but also do not put your faith in Auckland weather. Raceday fashion also needs to be appropriate for the climate and having an optional jacket or wrap just might be your saviour on the day.

How does the fashion in the field in Melbourne compare to Auckland?

I think the biggest difference between the two is that the Melbourne Cup competition is overloaded with young models dressed by up-and-coming designers. Those attending Boxing Day races and considering entering, remember you do not need to be a professional model to be successful. Deportment comes into the judges' decision, so walk out there with confidence and personality. A big smile helps, too.

Do you follow the racing?

I don't come from racing pedigree so I am learning about the industry the more I attend and get involved. I choose my bets by going by the horses' names rather than statistics - a slightly crude approach but it definitely worked in my favour at the Melbourne Cup when I put my pocket money on Shocking 22!

Anything else you'd like to add?

I strongly believe that racewear doesn't need to be couture or custom-made. Don't look past what chainstores have to offer; it's all in the way you pull the look together with your own style and accessories. You don't need to spend a fortune to look and feel like a million dollars.

The New Zealand Herald Christmas Carnival takes place at Ellerslie Racecourse on Boxing Day. Visit the Viva Fashion Village to watch or enter the Viva Fashion in the Field competition. For more info go to www.ellerslie.co.nz.


What the judges are looking for

Viva shares the guidelines that will be given to the judges for the Mercedes Prix de Fashion event on Boxing Day

Appropriateness to the occasion

Racewear sits in its own distinct sphere within the realm of fashion - a hybrid of English garden party, brightly plumed glamazon and ladylike chic.

It's sophisticated, elegant and feminine - and most essentially it is daywear. Racewear is sometimes confused with eveningwear, with women from time to time dressing more appropriately for a night out than a day at the races.

A hat, fascinator or hairpiece is an essential component, and the true raceday outfit is really only appropriate as raceday attire.

The outfit must also be appropriate for the weather and climate of the day.

Co-ordination

It is essential that the utmost consideration is given to the complete co-ordination of the outfit. This includes jewellery, hat, shoes, hosiery, bag, makeup - complete styling from head to toe.

Style and originality

Originality and uniqueness are important, along with understanding and interpreting current fashion trends. Certainly not all fashion trends can be translated into style-worthy racewear, but outfits that reflect suitable aspects of the season's latest silhouettes and colours will give an original and modern edge.

Poise

Polish and poise definitely come into the equation: this includes grooming, grace and deportment.

Attention to detail

It's the little things that count - ensure that stocking seams are matched, heels are not chipped, and hair is in place.