Judges
2026 Cup Day Fashion Competition
We’re excited to unveil the judging panel for Cup Day Fashion Competition 2026. Get ready for an inspiring showcase of style, creativity, and elegance led by some of the fashion industry’s finest.
Introducing the judges for 2026
Abby Button
Abby Button is an internationally qualified fashion stylist with over 10 years of experience and a degree in Fashion Design. With a passion for race-day fashion, Abby has competed in Fashion on the Field competitions throughout New Zealand, winning numerous Best Dressed titles and awards. She was also a finalist in the prestigious Melbourne Cup Emerging Designer Award.
With expertise in styling, design and fit, Abby brings both professional knowledge and firsthand competition experience to her role as a judge. She is delighted to be judging and sponsoring this year’s Cup Day Fashion Competition at Addington and looks forward to celebrating creativity, individuality and style.
Stephanie Rumble
Stephanie Rumble of Bright Red Styling brings decades of experience as a fully qualified fashion stylist, previous FOTF judge, and style commentator to the judging team at Addington Cup Day in 2026. She previously won the overall best dressed exactly 20years ago in 2006 and has been involved with FOTF at both Addington at Riccarton for almost all of the 20years since in many capacities. Stephanie works full time as a fashion stylist, accountability coach and leadership educator along with hosting and producing her podcast 'Style for Life'. Stephanie has worked with all of the major players in the Christchurch community running fashion events and workshops over her 20years in the business. She is one of the most experienced and long standing fashion stylists in New Zealand.
Stephanie is passionate about people feeling good about themselves and their clothing and personal appearance reflecting that. She is very excited about working with her fellow stylist Abby Button and the other judges on Cup Day.
Kylie Bax
We are thrilled to welcome international supermodel and fashion icon, Kylie Bax as a judge for this year’s Fashion Competition. Kylie rose to fame on the global stage, dominating the fashion landscape throughout the 1990s and 2000s. After being discovered as a teenager, she moved to the fashion capitals of New York and Paris. There, she walked the runways for legendary luxury houses like Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Alexander McQueen, while gracing the covers of international editions of Vogue, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Beyond her modelling legacy, Kylie successfully transitioned into acting and has since become involved in New Zealand’s thoroughbred racing industry as a successful breeder. Her unique background seamlessly bridges the worlds of high-end global glamour and classic race day elegance.
When evaluating this year’s contestants, Kylie will be looking for outstanding individuality, immaculate tailoring, and a cohesive look from head to toe. Bring your absolute best style to the stage to impress one of fashion's ultimate insiders!
Estelle Schuler
Estelle Schuler is an Auckland-based fashion stylist working across editorial, e-commerce, entertainment and commercial projects. Known for her fresh, directional approach to styling, her work moves seamlessly between fashion and culture, with a growing international presence having styled campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands.
This year, Estelle was named a finalist for Stylist of the Year at the Fashion Quarterly Fashion Awards, where she was awarded the prestigious Rising Star title, recognising her impact and emerging influence within the New Zealand fashion industry.
This year's categories
Power of Colour
Celebrates smart, stylish use of colour to create a considered, fabulous look.
For full Cup Day Fashion Competition terms and conditions
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