By
Have you recently noticed an influx of shear, lace, and crocheted dresses in a soft color palette popping up in your favorite boutiques? What about stripes? Florals? Have you also seen a retro bohemian theme returning to the racks? It’s quite the eclectic mix but they are all trending BIG this spring and I highly recommend you embrace every bit of it this Derby season!
There are a multitude of different events to plan wardrobes for during the rush of tradition and excitement that is the Kentucky Derby. Aside from large-scale public events, for which I highly recommend dressing as comfortably as possible, there are parties galore. Many folks are dressing to a T for these shindigs as well, donning hats and coordinating outfits. Derby and fashion are so synonymous that even people celebrating off-track are opting to spiff up in order to have the full experience.
Of course, the most grand happenings are the races at Churchill Downs beginning the Wednesday before Derby. That’s potentially four separate outfits and matching accessories to plan! We’re pretty lucky here in Louisville to have so many boutiques and milliners who quite literally have you covered and would be delighted to assist you in planning those outfits. They’re no strangers to this time of year; it’s not their first rodeo.
Churchill Downs has quite a range of sections each with their own dress code. From formal Millionaires Row to the casual Paddock area, we go to the track cloaked in attire expressing our personal style. We take pride in our threads and dress to impress for this local holiday. Regardless of your seating situation, it would behoove you to bring a fun pair of coordinating flats for all the walking and plan a matching shrug or jacket so you can be prepared for the elements. We are all painfully aware of how much Mother Nature revels in surprising us every year!
As you peruse the following pages, you’ll notice a wide range of items for varying budgets as well as a diverse array of fabrics and styles. Voluminous sleeves and dresses of organzas and brocades to sleek, form-fitting dresses in figure flattering neoprene. Romantic eyelet lace or crocheted details to bold stripes and tweeds. And an assortment of options for men as well.
It’s a mixed bag but the message is clear, explore your sense of creativity and wonder and show the world who YOU are through fashion. And though it isn’t a requirement to wear something on one’s head, many choose not to, it is ultimately the main event when it comes to Derby fashion. Now, get to shopping!
Carrie Foster is a local costume designer/maker, graphic designer and performer with the Va Va Vixens Variety Troupe.
Stylist: Carrie Foster
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hermitage Farm, beneath the dappled light of trees and against the strength of weathered barns, Derby fashion comes to life in a setting that feels both timeless and new. Flowing silks and fabrics catch the wind, towering hats cast playful shadows, and tailored suits carry the weight of old-world charm with a modern stride. Each look carries the spirit of the main event, a balance of sophistication and celebration, paying homage to a time-honored tradition that continues to evolve.
Featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of fashion from Louisville boutiques, including Glasscock/Glasscock Too, Rodes For Him | For Her, Rodeo Drive, Sassy Fox Upscale Consignments, Mamili Boutique, and Peppermint Palm Lou. Adding a distinctive touch, hats from Mad Hatter 502, Attitudes by Angie, and Hat Haven bring personality and flair to each look. To polish everything off, Aesthetics in Jewelry’s one-of-a-kind pieces catch the light and complement each look.
provided by Bluegrass Motorsport
Hair & Makeup: J Michaels Spa & SalonMARIAH LEBRE-SANCHEZ, CORINNE BUTCHER, DAYANNARA CHUELA
Floral accessories and arrangements provided by Susan’s Florist
MODELS:
Cleo Heine
Christie Perez
Vanessa Smith
Margaret Streeter
Ryan Scott
Braden McCampbell
Alé Betts
Cosmo Models: Isabella Connor
Creative Director: Amelia Frazier Theobold
Fashion Coordinator & Styling Assistant: Cleo Heine
Production Team: Mary Zoeller, Julie Koenig, Alisha Proffitt, Brylea Peach
Car
Styled by Carrie Foster • Photos By Matt Johnson, Antonio Pantoja, Kathryn Harrington & Martin Boling
On Cleo
Hat: Mad Hatter 502
Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Earrings: Rodes For Her
By
Photo
Martin Boling
On Cleo
Fascinator: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Suit: Rodeo Drive
Jewelry: Rodeo Drive
Photo By Martin Boling
Photo By Martin Boling
On Cleo
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Rodes For Her
Photo By Martin Boling
On Cleo Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502 Dress & Shrug: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Earrings: Rodes For Her
By
Photo
Matt Johnson
By
Photos By Antonio Pantoja
Photo
Matt Johnson
On Branden Shirt: Peppermint Palm Lou Pants, Bowtie & Hat: Rodes For Him
On Alé Shirt & Pants: Mamili Tie & Belt: Rodes For Him
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Isabella
Dress, Jacket & Belts: Sassy Fox
Fascinator: Hat Haven
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelery
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Margaret
Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Hat: Attitudes By Angie
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Christie Dress: Mamili Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Vanessa
Top & Skirt: Rodes For Her Fascinator: Hat Haven Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Vanessa
Top: Rodes For Her Fascinator: Hat Haven
By
Photo
Matt Johnson
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Cleo Hat: Attitudes By Angie Top, Skirt & Belt: Peppermint Palm Lou Clutch & Shoes: Sassy Fox Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
By
Photo
Martin Boling
On Cleo
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Top, Pants & Shrug: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Alé
Entire Outfit: Mamili
On Christie Dress: Rodes For Her Fascinator: Hat Haven Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
By
Photo
Matt Johnson
On Branden Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
On Margaret
Top & Shorts: Rodes For Her
Fascinator: Attitudes By Angie
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Margaret
Top, Pants, Belt & Handbag: Sassy Fox Hat: Attitudes By Angie
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Vanessa
Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Clutch: Peppermint Palm Lou
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Christie Dress: Mamili Hat: Hat Haven Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Conner
Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
On Isabella
Top, Skirt & Headband: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
Photo By Mat Johnson
On Braden Jacket: Mamili Pants & Hat: Rodes For Him Engagement Ring: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
Photos By Antonio Pantoja
On Isabella
Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Fascinator: Attitudes By Angie Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Broccolini Lemon Aioli, Fried Garlic & Shallot, Parmigiano
On Conner Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
By
Photo
Antonio Pantoja
Left: Berry Beef Ribeye * 21-Day Dry Aged, Marble Potatoes, Chimichurri
Right: Risotto Spinach Puree, Asparagus, Peas, Parmigiano, Chili Oil
On Christie Dress: Mamili Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502 Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Braden Shirt & Tie: Mamili
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Alé Shirt: Rodes For Him
Bowtie: Mamili Hat: Rodes For Him
LOST CITY: Beet Infused Capurro Pisco, Blended Family Blueberry Liqueur, Aged Balsamic, Egg White, Cinnamon
NOSE DIVE:
Brown Butter & Sesame Oil, Ten to Two Rum, Lemon, Chili Crisp, Nutritional Yeast, Fermented Fresno Powder
Hibiscus Infused Gin, Aragoshi Yuzu Sake, Hermitage Farm Woodruff, Bay Bitters
Flamingo Lounge Pink Peppercorn &
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Braden
Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him Belt: Mamili
On Margaret
Dress & Clutch: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Fascinator: Attitudes By Angie Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Conner
Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
On Conner Shirt, Pant, Hat & Belt: Rodes For Him Tie: Mamili
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Isabella Dress & Top: Rodeo Drive
Clutch: Peppermint Palm Lou
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Ryan
Entire Outfit: Peppermint Palm Lou
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Vanessa
Dress: Peppermint Palm
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Christie Dress: Glasscock/Glasscock Too Fascinator: Hat Haven
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Isabella Dress & Bag: Rodes For Her Fascinator: Hat Haven Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Vanessa
Dress, Jacket & Belt: Sassy Fox
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Handbag: Mamili
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Matt Johnson
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Braden
Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him Belt: Mamili
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Isabella
Dress & Clutch: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Fascinator: Attitudes By Angie
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Christie
Top & Skirt: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Margaret
Dress: Mamili
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Clutch: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Kathryn Harrington
On Conner Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
On Vanessa
Dress: Rodeo Drive
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502
Handbag: Rodes For Her
Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Margaret Jumpsuit: Rodeo Drive
Fascinator: Attitudes By Angie Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Alé Entire Outfit: Rodes For Him
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
On Ryan
Entire Outfit: Mamili
On Vanessa
Dress & Handbag: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502 Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
Photo By Matt Johnson
On Vanessa
Dress & Handbag: Glasscock/Glasscock Too
Fascinator: Mad Hatter 502 Jewelry: Aesthetics In Jewelry
On Ryan Entire Outfit: Mamili
Photo By Antonio Pantoja
