Style, Glamour & Incredible Prizes – The 2025 Adashiko Fashion Stakes
Raceday fashion is all about confidence, creativity, and that little spark of magic that makes an outfit unforgettable — and this year’s Fashion Stakes is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. With fantastic sponsors, an exceptional judging panel, and prizes that celebrate both beauty and style, it’s the perfect moment to step into your raceday best and shine.
The Adashiko Fashion Stakes
We’re proud to have Adashiko on board as sponsor of this year’s Fashion Stakes. A long time partner of WTR, Adashiko is known for their premium collagen and skincare products. Adashiko champions beauty, wellbeing, and confidence from the inside out values that resonate perfectly with the glamour of raceday fashion.
Their support elevates the experience for entrants and spectators alike, and we’re thrilled to partner with a brand that celebrates looking and feeling your best.
Introducing Our Fashion Partner, NES
This year, we’re also delighted to welcome NES, a New Zealand womenswear label born in the Waikato and proudly made in Aotearoa. Designed for real women and real life, their clothing blends clever construction, beautiful fabrics, and a modern edge to create pieces that move effortlessly from weekday to weekend.
As a brand built on confidence, comfort, and style, NES is a natural fit for raceday fashion — and we’re excited to have them join the WTR stable.
How to Enter the 2025 Adashiko Fashion Stakes
Entering is simple, free and open to all of our glam gals (18yr+). Just make sure you've snapped up a ticket to the event (and note: it does sell out!)
Where: Fashion entry booth behind the main grandstand, next to the parade ring
When: 11:00am–1:00pm
Just fill in an entry form, strike a pose (or show us all your angles!), and wait to hear if you’ve made the Top 10.
Our Top 10 finalists will be contacted for an in-person judging session before making their way to the Birdcage for the big announcement on the main stage. Timing TBC based on race schedule.
Categories & Prizes
Thanks to our generous partners, we have an incredible prize pool on offer:
Supreme Winner
• A giftpack from Adashiko
• A $500 voucher from NES
• The honour of representing WTR at The Ned Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie on Champions Day
• A beautiful bouquet from Frankie & Flora
Runner Up
• A giftpack from Adashiko
• $50 voucher from NES
• A beautiful bouquet from Frankie & Flora
NES Local Lady Category (NEW!)
Women residing in the Waikato area will have the chance to win a $250 NES voucher to spend in their Hamilton store as well as an Adashiko giftpack and bouquet from Frankie & Flora.
Remaining Top 7 Finalists
Each receives a premium gift pack from Adashiko and $50 voucher from NES.
Meet the 2025 Judging Panel
We’re thrilled to introduce our 2025 judging panel…
Kate Harris – Creative Director & Owner of NES
Kate is the force behind NES, a proudly New Zealand-made womenswear label based in the Waikato. Beginning her fashion journey in retail at just 15, she has long held a passion for fabrics, styling, and empowering women through clothing.
Since taking ownership of NES three years ago, Kate has refreshed the brand with modern design, a sharp aesthetic, and a commitment to local production. Known for her intuitive styling and ability to help women feel confident and seen, Kate brings both expertise and heart to this year’s judging panel.
Robyn Stinson – Design Assistant at NES
Formerly the designer and owner of beloved Cambridge label Ooby Ryn, Robyn brings decades of creativity to the NES design room. Her technical skill, sharp eye, and love for innovative garment construction play a key role in shaping the brand’s evolving collections. No stranger to racing fashion, Robyn has also been a member of judging panels throughout New Zealand.
Together with Kate, Robyn forms a dynamic design duo, offering a balance of modern style, experience, and artistic flair at the judging table.
Kari Jones – Head of Marketing at SkyCity Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton are our principal sponsor on SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day and we’re thrilled to welcome Kari Jones, their Head of Marketing, to the panel. She brings a strong marketing background and community focus to this year’s panel. Outside of work, she’s a proud mum of two and is excited to swap her activewear for raceday glam at this year’s SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup. She loves the fun, energy, and excitement of raceday and is looking forward to seeing entrants express their creativity and confidence through fashion.
Also joining us oncourse...
Luci Firth – Adashiko Managing Director and Owner
We’re delighted to have Luci from Adashiko joining the lineup. She’ll be on course to help crown our 2025 Adashiko Fashion Stakes winners and celebrate the standout looks of the day.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or entering for the first time, the Adashiko Fashion Stakes is your moment to shine. With exceptional prizes, an expert judging panel, and the electric atmosphere of SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup Day, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate your unique sense of style.
See you at the fashion booth — and good luck!