RACING PERSPECTIVE

Cyclical celebrations have a way of shaping and defining a year. Those events that return annually call for preparation and pomp from the attendees and nothing better represents that in Canterbury than Cup and Show Week. My first dealings with the races as they are known were walking the runways as a model for Portfolio. I was up close and personal with filial fashion and what it meant to each individual to curate the day’s attire with minuscule detail and design.

These past few weeks, I have immersed myself into the racing world with benefit dinners, hat sittings, and most importantly, working alongside the newly appointed Riccarton Fashion Coordinator June Youngman. I privately photographed June in my studio where I learnt of her multiple award-winning competition ensembles and that she brings expert and international knowledge to the events.

My family attended The Preakness throughout my life, but I was truly honoured for her time in educating me on what racing fashion is truly really about.

WORLD invited Avenues to the preview of Seventh and Figgs’ latest hat collection as a precursor for all that is to come.

As far as my hat history goes, I don’t think that I saw my grandmother’s head uncovered outside of the house, ever. She was a staunchly religious fashion aficionado which left her head dually covered. I adopted this and have applied it to my selections for a week of fashion where I will be serving as a judge for The Ladies Day at Riccarton Racecourse.

I have selected Christchurch millinery legend Roz Wilmott-Dalton to create a bespoke look to complete my outfit. She too is an award- winning designer having trained in Europe and living in her native Canterbury where she creates hats for all occasions which are also available for hire.

For this month’s couture collection, I have made a selection of pieces that could complement any outfit you have planned for the races: a mix of milliners, men’s fashion, and simple statement pieces to celebrate in style.

See Kia’s Couture picks for November, here.