Jewel of the track

Marlburians heading to the country’s premier horse racing week will have a local to support in the fashion section.

After succeeding at Fashion in the Field events across the South Island in the past year, Jewel Retalado will be stepping onto one of the country’s bigger stages during Addington Cup Week in Christchurch.

Jewel won Best Dressed at the Reefton Glamour in the Goldfield, Best Millinery in Nelson, most significantly was in the 12 Grand Finalists for the Touch of Teal Grand Finals organized by Harness Racing New Zealand.

Professing a love of fashion from a young age in her native Philippines, with Melbourne Cup fashion being a major influence, Jewel says part of each the item is handmade – whether that be her award-winning hat from Nelson or the fabric flower details on one of her dresses put aside for Cup Week.

“I’ve always wanted to go to Melbourne, but I started entering at Nelson last year and won best hat with one I made, won Best Classic Wear at Reefton and was top five us of 40 in Greymouth.

“For the Harness Racing NZ comp, it’s 16 qualifiers – three different racedays you could qualify, and then the online section which I entered, and so learning from that I’m excited for another season.

“I just love the class of it all – I’ve even taken a few days off work just to get ready and compete”.

Jewel’s planning to enter each fashion competition over the week, with a different outfit for each raceday.

“I’m really just excited for the chances, looking forward to the super colourful outfit reveals and having fun meeting amazing women”.