Peggie Wilson's first competitive involvement as a fashion designer was an entry in the Australian Gown of the Year contest in 1959. After moving to New Zealand she designed this ensemble, 'Vanity Fair', which she entered in the Melbourne Cup Fashions on the Field in 1967. Peggie took a group of local models and designers over to Melbourne to promote New Zealand fashion. It was so successful that she was inspired to establish Fashion on the Field at Ellerslie Racecourse the following year. In 2001, Peggie was invited by the Auckland Racing Club to attend the Summer Carnival Fashions on the Field contest at Ellerslie, Auckland as Senior Judge, in recognition of her establishment of the event 25 years earlier.