As one of Auckland Racing Club’s ambassadors, 2019 National MYER Fashions on the Field Winner and activewear designer, Carena West knows a thing or two about a raceday - and what to wear to such an occasion!  

 

We sat down with Carena to chat all things Auckland Cup Week and the fashion that goes hand-in-hand. 

 

Auckland Cup Carnival is New Zealand's biggest cup carnival and offers a veritable feast of entertainment. From Racing, fashion and music, to children's entertainment and family areas, there is something for everyone, all hosted at one of Auckland's grandest venues. It really is an incredible week, one that I am lucky to be a part of!

 

For me, Derby Day is all about embracing tradition and is really the crème de la crème of New Zealand's racing calendar. With the Group 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby, The Ned Prix De Fashion National Racewear final and a raft of entertainment from music to kids entertainment, it really is the perfect opportunity to pull out your number one's, dress up and have an awesome day.

 

Auckland Cup Day is a celebration of colour, family and signifies the end of summer racing (sigh) and culminates with the running of the $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup. The style theme of Auckland Cup Day is ‘a touch of blue’, but of course you will see a riot of colour. It’s a true celebration of summer racing. (Also there's the annual Clydesdale race which is my absolute favourite too!)

 

Unfortunately, I won't be attending Auckland Cup Day this year as it coincides with my due date, but I am really looking forward to being one of a panel of judges for The Ned Prix De Fashion national final on Derby Day. It is always a highlight on my calendar.

 

Dress for the occasion. A wardrobe malfunction can really put a dampener on the day if you are battling blisters or some ruthless sunburn!

 

 

I'm loving it when people take risks with their outfit - interesting headwear shapes, pattern and texture mixes and eye-catching accessories - all working together in harmony of course!

 

Thank you! My inspiration comes from all over the place. Sometimes it will be a movie or TV show I've seen, sometimes a piece of clothing or millinery will be the base for me to build my outfit on. Sometimes I'm doing something mundane and have a flash of an idea. It comes from everywhere really!

 

Some people think that because your outfit is monochrome that it's more difficult to create something that stands out, but I disagree. I believe that removing the colour element of an outfit allows you to play with beautiful textures and shapes that may otherwise be 'too much’. I am a huge fan of beautiful fabric texture, so it is something that really stands out to me.