When it comes to racing fashion, there's more to the world of Fashion on the Field (FOTF) than meets the eye. It's a blend of competition, creativity, and self-expression, and for one rising star, it’s been an exciting journey of finding herself through fashion.
We caught up with first-time finalist and Waikato Thoroughbred Racing's representative in The Ned Prix de Fashion 2025, Kristjana Hutton, who has been making waves in the fashion circuit. Here's her story, from a love of dress-ups to the passion that fuels her unique style.
How did you get involved with Fashions in the Field?
Fashion has always been a part of my life, though I’m quite new to the FOTF scene. I’ve always loved dressing up and experimenting with looks, but I didn’t get serious about Fashion on the Field until 2022 at Taupo, where I won a small, picnic-style fashion competition. That was the moment I realised I had a real passion for it. The whole experience of being creative and engaging with people about my outfit was pure fun—anyone who knows me knows I love a good time!
For a while, I hesitated to dive into the FOTF circuit, thinking I couldn’t fit it into my busy schedule and not knowing anyone in the community. But the more I researched, the more I couldn’t get it out of my head. One night, I turned to my husband and said, “I want to give this a real crack, and I want to be competitive.” 2025 is my first year making it to The Ned Prix de Fashion final, and even after qualifying in December, I kept competing to gain more experience and support friends who were still trying to qualify.
What draws you to fashion?
I’m drawn to the competition, the people, and the opportunity to express myself. It’s not just about wearing a pretty dress—it’s about being part of the occasion, talking with people, and sharing my passion for fashion. I love meeting new people and explaining how I put my outfits together. Fashion for me is about more than just the clothes; it’s about the experience.
What does it mean to you to represent Waikato Thoroughbred Racing in the national fashions in the field final, The Ned Prix de Fashion?
Representing Waikato Thoroughbred Racing is an absolute honour. It’s sentimental for me, as I have a strong background with horses. As a child, I spent my time chasing ribbons and sashes, so the connection to racing has always been there. Now, I'm taking that passion and merging it with fashion. It feels like I’m reliving that same excitement, just in a new arena.
Tell us about your qualifying outfit from the adashiko Style Stakes..
My qualifying outfit has a fun story behind it! It all started with a hat I found on Instagram by Kamellyon Designs. I didn’t buy it right away because I didn’t have a dress to match. But a few days later, I decided to go for it. I then found a dress by Olivia Haywood that was perfect, though it had already been sold. Thankfully, Olivia was able to recreate a similar design using vintage silks. The ruffles over my shoulder, made from hand-dyed silk organza, were definitely my favorite part of the outfit. Olivia’s dedication to her craft made working with her a true pleasure.
What's the inspiration behind your outfit for The Ned Prix de Fashion?
This year’s look is called “Small Business,” and it’s all about supporting local. I’ve collaborated with two of my favourite dressmakers: Olivia Haywood from Gisborne and Ruscoe Bustenera-Kirby from Auckland. Olivia created my winning outfit at Waikato Cup, so I wanted to bring her on this journey. Ruscoe, known for his incredible tailoring skills, added the bespoke touch to the outfit. I’m not skilled in sewing, so I’ve relied on these amazing individuals to bring my ideas to life.
How would you describe your personal style? How does it translate into your raceday outfits?
My personal style is eclectic—I'm drawn to a mix of everything. I like incorporating different elements into my raceday looks, which I think is part of what makes them stand out. I enjoy working with local dressmakers because it means my outfits are one-of-a-kind, and I get to support small businesses, giving them exposure in the process.
Where do you find inspiration for your raceday looks?
I spend a lot of time researching online, driving my husband crazy with my constant browsing. As a 40-year-old woman, I know what suits my body shape, and I don’t necessarily follow trends. I go with what flatters me. I love being creative and can often take a simple idea or image and let it evolve into something bigger and more unique.
What do you think elevates a good raceday look to a winning one?
Balance is key. After reading several fashion blogs, I’ve learned that balance is essential in creating a cohesive look. I like to play with tones, not just colors, and I avoid perfectly matching everything. A good raceday outfit also needs a conversation starter—something unique that gets people talking. But above all, it has to be fun!
What are you most looking forward to about Saturday's event?
I’m excited to be there with my family and friends, having some bubbles, and showcasing the outfit we’ve worked so hard on. It’s been months of preparation—late nights, adjustments, and a lot of last-minute changes. But I’ve loved every bit of it, and I’m ready to show off the final creation.
What advice do you have for others who are considering competing?
Just go for it! Put on your shoes, enjoy a glass of bubbles, and put yourself out there. The first walk might be scary, but it won’t harm you, and you’ll only get better with time. The best part is meeting amazing people and forming friendships—those are things you can’t buy or style. So, enjoy the journey!
Has anyone been particularly influential on your fashion journey?
Yes, absolutely. Gabby Cashmore has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me into the fashion community with open arms. And Lily Simons—her winning speech at The Ned Prix de Fashion inspired me to take the plunge and really give it a go. My husband, Lance, has also been a huge influence, pushing me to perfect every detail of my outfits and supporting me every step of the way.
We learned recently that you've had quite a varied career background. Tell us about that and how it's related to your fashion journey...
I’ve had a pretty diverse career path! My childhood was centered around horses, and I spent years working as a vet nurse, primarily with thoroughbreds and harness racing horses. After a stint in the police force, I found myself transitioning into interior design and helping my husband run a small building business. Through it all, I’ve always had a creative side that’s led me to interior design and now, fashion. My journey through various fields has taught me resilience and creativity, and while I may never compete with horses again, fashion has allowed me to stay connected to the racing world.
Fashion on the Field is a world that’s as much about fun and personal expression as it is about competition. For this rising star, it's not just about looking good on the racetrack—it’s about crafting a story through style and supporting the local businesses that make it all possible. We can't wait to see what she'll wear on Saturday and we'll be cheering her on!