2022 Ned Prix Fashion winner Eleanor Campbell shares her top tips

When it comes to putting together the perfect race day outfit, there are few more well-versed than Eleanor Campbell, the winner of this year's Ned Prix de Fashion competition. 

Campbell’s history of sporting fine frocks and fascinators is not a recent revelation. In fact, just like a great racehorse pedigree, it runs in the family. Her sister, Claudia, was also crowned the most fashionable filly in the 2013 Prix de Fashion, and both Claudia and Eleanor have been finalists on a number of occasions. 

And the bloodline connections don’t stop there, with mother Anna also being a finalist in 2021, having won multiple competitions over the years - including a few in the international arena. Like mother, like daughter, Eleanor followed suit onto the world stage and recently took out the title at a fashions in the field competition in Dubai. 

If you’re a regular at Ellerslie, you’ll understand the allure and appeal of the fashion festivities, with the ensembles being more akin to a work of art than just an outfit. Months of planning can go into them, scouring the internet for the perfect frock, and just the right amount of accessories to elevate your look. It’s no easy feat, but the Campbells certainly made it look effortless. 

We sat down with Eleanor to get her top tips for the budding fashionistas who might want to put their best hoof forward in upcoming comps. 

Your family has certainly made their mark on race day fashion. How did your mum Anna first get into it? 

She went to watch the races with her friend Dianne McDonald when her son James was an apprentice, she then started to watch the fashion in the field as well as him! 

You’ve previously won a fashions in the field competition in Dubai, can you tell us about that? 

It was a trip of a lifetime with an amazing result. I got to go as my mom Anna had won flights to Dubai from a Fashion Style Stakes Competition at New Market UK. It was so nice we got to go together and experience it all. The Dubai World Cup is incredible being a twilight meeting with fireworks and Gwen Stefani concert afterwards all on course.

When you’re not strutting your stuff at the races, what do you enjoy doing? 

I love gardening and have a lot of pets that take up most of my time! 

Tell us a bit about your doggy daycare Petite Paws? How did it start?

Anna first started Petite Paws in 2006 after not being able to find a boarding facility specially catered to small breeds as we have always had Chihuahuas. 

Do the Campbell women come together to help piece together each other’s outfits?

Yes, we do have fashion meetings and try-ons to get everyone’s opinion to see what can be altered and improved.

What does the average morning getting ready for a competition look like for you?

It’s always chaos, as we are at work we have to take turns doing our hair and makeup. When we are away it’s much more enjoyable though we never get our hair or makeup done as we are used to doing it ourselves! 

When it comes to planning an outfit, how far in advance do you start?

It can take weeks to put together a great outfit. We usually start with a dress, designing the perfect millinery can take time then it is all pulled together with accessories. 

What’s your favourite race day on the Ellerslie racing calendar?

Auckland Cup Week is great, any day with the Curvee experience is always fun.

How much do you try to incorporate current trends into your race day attire?

I like to have some aspects that are on trend but always keep the base of my outfits classic. 

What is the one thing you never go to a race day without?

I only usually have lipstick and a whole lot of coinage for my easy bets in my bag! 

What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever received?

I’m an Aries so I don’t listen to anyone haha but I do believe a lot of the time less is more. 

Who are you when no one's watching?

I’m quite a private hermit, so having the races in our lives has brought a lot of amazing trips and experiences. 

Think you’ve got what it takes? Find out everything you need to know, including how to qualify here!