Racewear reign: Interview with Danni Alfeld
Danni Alfeld attended her first Cup Day at three weeks old. Was becoming New Zealand’s most fashionable racegoer her destiny all along? Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out.
New Zealand’s best is Canterbury’s own – Danni Alfeld took out The Ned Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie in March. Her winning look was a striking bronze pantsuit, divine and daring. “It jumped out at me when I first saw it.” Styled with custom millinery from Australian Jill Humphries and accessories sourced nationwide, including Dyrberg/Kern jewellery, the look was boundary-pushing yet ever so beautiful and a clear winner. It’s customary to spend months, years even, curating raceday fashion, let alone the winning look. In the two years since her first competition, Danni has risen to the highest ranks.
“The challenge is developing new styles, different looks, and pushing the boundaries while remaining true to myself,” she tells me. Among a roll of esteemed competitors – regardless of intensity – Danni says the only pressure is her own. A born and bred Cantabrian, she took home Best Contemporary Dressed and Supreme Winner at Riccarton Park’s The Ned Fashion in the Field in November 2024. This landed her a spot in a pressure-mounting 20th edition of Ellerslie’s contest. Planning ensued fast, and with mother Janine, the pair spent hours paging magazines, scrolling Pinterest, and searching for online inspiration “to find something that was different, bold but fun and unexpected,” she shares.
“Mum and I are always on the lookout for the next outfit inspiration.” If finding a beautiful cut of fabric inspires her first, Danni and Janine then determine the style to suit. Sometimes, the pair fall in love with a picture and source the fabric that will bring the vision to life next. Danni credits her dressmaker, Mikhal Designs, as a defining power in her racewear journey, coupled with her own keen eye in an opportunity shop, repurposing various accessories. In many cases, millinery and accessories deduct precious hours from the process. At no surprise, it’s mum to the rescue. “Mum has developed her skills in painting shoes, handbags, earrings, and more recently, making fabulous hats after attending a great millinery course,” Danni says.
The marriage of many components saw her achieve at Ellerslie. “I was in shock when my name was called out,” Danni exclaims – sharing a visual record to prove it. “I was so ecstatic and surprised, it took quite a few days to sink in.” She shared winning bottles of The Ned wine with friends and family, and awaits adventures to Auckland and Marlborough to enjoy other prizes.
Reflecting on her success, Danni nods to the feedback offered by judges in her first season of racewear events. “I took on board feedback given to me and incorporated this into my next season’s looks by altering the colours, accessories, or overall look.” This willingness from judges to share has been fundamental for her growth. “Judges have always been positive and provided encouragement on my fashion journey. They have so much expertise and knowledge.”
No better authority to corroborate Danni’s words is Riccarton Park’s Fashion Coordinator Zane Tate: “I’m so proud of Danni, our Riccarton Park representative and Cantabrian, for winning The Ned Prix de Fashion. From her Best Dressed triumph at Riccarton Park Cup Day 2024 to listening intently to every piece of feedback from the judges, she’s honed a distinctive, confident style in record time. Her passion, dedication, and creative spirit embody everything we celebrate in Fashion in the Field.”
Danni’s destiny
“I attended my first Cup Day at just three weeks old,” Danni remembers, sharing the story of a life and childhood spent embedded in the horse racing industry. Her entry into horse showing began at four years old and never stopped – now complemented through training standardbred racehorses alongside her father. Watching horses race, or showing them herself, Danni is tied to nothing closer, and forever grateful for the community it brings. “The racing industry is very supportive of each other. If you don’t win, you are glad to congratulate the people that do.”
In her short time competing, Danni delights in seeing the Canterbury racing fashion scene evolve. “Looks now embrace both the traditional, classic outfit and the more contemporary fashion wear. Traditionally, it was seen as more conservative – however this is now not the case.”
Wearing an outfit of great intricacies, no racing fashion competitor wants to miss any aspect of it on the entry form. While it didn’t stop her from gaining a degree in musculoskeletal systems, Danni says her dyslexia ignites creativity, “it is not so good for completing entry forms,” she laughs. “I always have a description of my outfit prepared to take to the fashion event.”
LIFE IN LOOKS
