Christchurch rest home carer up for Melbourne Cup best dressed

Three years ago, Foster Mwaba didn’t even have a sewing machine.

Now, the 36-year-old Christchurch rest home caregiver will compete in the prestigious Melbourne Cup Fashions on the Field competition after winning the Best Dressed Digital category ahead of Tuesday’s big horse race.

Mwaba, a self-taught dressmaker, impressed the judges with her creative approach, combining three vintage dresses into one outfit. The fabric, a mustard-yellow floral print on a black background, was sewn into an A-line dress with a high neck and an oval back cutout, and accented with pearls. Mwaba also used the fabric and pearls to create a fascinator.

This is the third time Mwaba has entered the competition.

“This time, I just had a clear vision. I was so ready... and started working on it, and in just a week I had finished it.”

She finished off her look with a pearl-shaped handbag and pearly cream shoes, both from Shein, the discount fast fashion website.

Mwaba arrived in Melbourne on Monday afternoon and will attend Tuesday's glamorous horse race as part of her prize. She will compete against other finalists at the 6 November grand final for a chance at winning the overall crown for Fashions on the Field Best Dressed.

Last year, New Zealander Laura Williams took second place in the Best Suited category after being pre-selected from a digital submission.

When Mwaba moved to New Zealand from Zambia 12 years ago, she had an eye for putting outfits together and only knew how to hand sew. Her mother-in-law bought her a sewing machine three years ago and showed her how to use it. Mwaba then taught herself how to sew by creating dresses for her two daughters and helping friends with alterations.

“I love dressing up and I want one day to be designing for people,” says Mwaba, who has won other best dressed competitions - albeit smaller and less notable ones - in Christchurch. Her brother Stephen Mwaba is also a regular entrant in best dressed competitions, including previous Melbourne Cup competitions.

The inspiration for this gown came from a dress Mwaba’s mother wore as well as the vintage gowns she sees in photographs of the residents she cares for at a Christchurch rest home where she works.

“When we are chatting or when I'm at work, they will bring out their pictures and show you and stuff like that.

“So yeah, I've really been blessed to have wonderful people who are happy to open up to me.”