The fashion and glamour of Cup Day in Christchurch

From left, Samantha Giles, Zane Tate and Jen Howell. Jen's wearing Aussie designer Alice McCall. She says she's a bit apprehensive about a long day in heels, but had some sensible shoes stashed in her bag. Zane's suit is ASOS, the hat is Belinda Green Millinery, jewellery by Dyrberg/Kern and a vintage Oroton bag. Photos: RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Megan Byrant drove up yesterday after work from Havelock. It was her first time at the races, and first time entering the fashion competition. Her dress is from Aaliyah in Christchurch, and the fascinator was a TradeMe score.

North Cantabrian Kim Ryan was dressed by So You in Rangiora. It's her inaugural Cup Day and she's hooked.

It was Christchurch man Mark Alexander's fourth Cup Day. He's "gone classic" with a suit rented from Sergios in Christchurch.

From left, Danni Alfeld, Foster Mwaba and Marlene Robertson. Danni won the Best Dressed at Cup day. Marlene and Foster both made their own creations. Foster, who made the best dressed finals at the Melbourne Cup Fashion on the Field contest last week, was working on hers until 2 o'clock this morning. She says she was going for "elegant, simple, traditional racewear." Marlene says she wanted to do something playful with her peacock dress and headpiece.

Fraser Darling makes the trip up from Outram, Otago most years. He op shopped the suit about 15 years ago, and had it altered - it's a Bob Shepherd Menswear wool suit, a well known Dunedin firm that made menswear for 60 years before shutting up shop in 2014.

Heather Reynolds on her first trip to the Cup from Pukekohe. She bought the hat a few years ago on a visit to Australia, then nabbed a Review dress that looks made to match, along with a pair of Zara red heels.

Heather Reynolds's daughter, Lisa, made her own dress from a Vogue pattern over two days, and whipped up the hat - a feather boa stuck to a Buckram Rim - to match. She has a vintage pearl clip on earrings, and a brooch borrowed from her mum.