Sun, May 07 2023
On the first Saturday in May, the stars come out and fashion is on display at Churchill Downs. The 149th Kentucky Derby otherwise known as "Run for the Roses" draws guests of all kinds and some of the most famous celebrities who walk the red carpet to the Twin…
View Post
Sat, May 06 2023
On the first Friday in May, we wear Pink! The 149th Kentucky Oaks otherwise known as "Lilies for the Fillies" displays the traditional looks you would expect from the Kentucky Derby but with a pink twist. Fans walked the Pink carpet for the Longines Fashion…
View Post
Thu, May 04 2023
Louisville may not be known as a fashion capital, but the city has a unique style all its own. From Derby hats to bourbon-inspired clothing lines, fashion in Louisville is a blend of Southern charm and urban edge. It could be attending a fashion show or event,…
View Post
Sun, April 30 2023
Horse racing has long been associated with fashion, as it is an event where attendees often dress in their finest attire to impress and stand out. The fashion aspect of horse racing is particularly noticeable at high-profile events such as the Kentucky Derby,…
View Post
Fri, April 28 2023
By: Danielle Rudy Davis When you hear ‘Kentucky Derby,’ chances are the first things you think of are horses and hats. And there’s a reason for that, it goes without saying that the fashions along the rail are almost as important as the thoroughbreds on…
View Post
Mon, April 24 2023
By: Danielle Rudy Davis The Kentucky Derby is an event unlike any other and that extends from the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®all the way to the unmatched style. Derby week is a chance to show up and show out with men and ladies pulling out all the…
View Post
Thu, December 15 2022
Churchill Downs Launches Logo for Kentucky Derby 149 Excitement for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby builds as Churchill Downs unveiled the official logo that will represent the Run for the Roses in 2023. Designed and developed by SME, the newest…
View Post
Tue, December 06 2022
Churchill Downs Racetrack has released the 2023 “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” by renowned international artist, Romero Britto. Considered one of the most celebrated living artists in the world, Britto uses a bold, vibrant aesthetic to evoke a sense of…
View Post
Sun, May 08 2022
Thank you to all the wonderful editors and photographers that help us create www.kentuckyderby.com every year. Simply put they are some of the best in the world. Thank you photographers: Dan Dry, Doug Beigie, Jon Balcom, Jon Halloway, Lauren Murray, Max Sharp, Laura…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2022
Dopamine Dressing Fashion is so much more than just what you wear, it’s all about how your clothes make you feel. That connection, known as “Dopamine Dressing”, is being predicted as the biggest trend of 2022, and the biggest trends will always show up at…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2022
Years of Iconic American Style. From fantastic hats and colorful spring dresses to dashing bow ties and seersucker suits, Derby’s display of American style and tradition simply doesn’t exist anywhere else. So whether you’re coming to the track or attending…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2022
What sets the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apart from other sports and entertainment events? It's the hats! Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" one of the…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2022
If you are planning to attend the Kentucky Oaks, we encourage you to wear any color as long as it is PINK — from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to sundresses, sunglasses to stilettos! Churchill Downs invites you to THINK PINK when planning your attire for Kentucky…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2022
Each year the Churchill Downs and Culture Foundry team work with some of the best photographers around. Only the best make the homepage covers each year. Enjoy! Thank you Dan Dry, Doug Beigie, Jon Balcom, Jon Halloway, Lauren Murray, Max Sharp, Laura Robinson,…
View Post
Fri, May 06 2022
The Survivors Parade is a moving and celebratory march of breast and ovarian cancer survivors that takes place on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 14th Survivors Parade presented by Kroger was presented…
View Post
Fri, May 06 2022
Fashion is a key element of Kentucky Oaks Day. It’s a day to get dressed in your finest, frilliest most feminine attire and have a great time with the girls. Don’t forget, your hat is the most traditional and important accessory on Oaks Day (although fascinators…
View Post
Fri, May 06 2022
If you are planning to attend the Kentucky Oaks, we encourage you to wear any color as long as it is PINK — from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to sundresses, sunglasses to stilettos! Churchill Downs invites you to THINK PINK when planning your attire for Kentucky…
View Post
Thu, May 05 2022
Each year the Churchill Downs and Culture Foundry team work with some of the best photographers around. Only the best make the homepage covers each year. Enjoy! Thank you Dan Dry, Doug Beigie, Jon Balcom, Jon Halloway, Lauren Murray, Max Sharp, Laura Robinson,…
View Post
Thu, May 05 2022
On Thurby you will find hats of elegance and style. Generally speaking, women wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats. The hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color to express creativity and individuality.…
View Post
Thu, May 05 2022
Be a part of the excitement at Thurby, celebrating the best of Kentucky including culture, fare and racing. Thurby will host Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats live in the infield!
View Post
Wed, May 04 2022
The Kentucky Derby is more than just the biggest race in sports. It's a week long celebration of style, racing and incredible moments. Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs, and while you're at it show off…
View Post
Thu, April 21 2022
It’s been awhile since we got dressed up and headed to the races! We are getting so close we can practically taste the fresh-made mint juleps! Spring’s playful silhouettes have so much to offer this year and vineyard vines has created pieces that you’ll love…
View Post
Wed, February 23 2022
#1 What is your favorite part of being a Milliner? The art of millinery is a passion! I truly love every aspect of creating headwear, from forming and blocking the shapes, to creating the trim and every little bit of the finishing work. Precision plus…
View Post
Wed, February 16 2022
Derby Season is upon us and it is time to create your Derby look. Here are some tips to stand out from the crowd either at Churchill Downs on May 7th or at your own Derby party. #1 Colors Bright, bold colors will help make your best impression. Bring…
View Post
Sat, May 01 2021
Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women, however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well. Wearing a hat is much like getting into costume, you…
View Post
Sat, May 01 2021
What sets the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apart from other sports and entertainment events? It's the hats! Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" one of the greatest…
View Post
Fri, April 30 2021
You can show off your pink duds in the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, for an opportunity to win a Longines time piece. In 2021, Longines will host a virtual fashion contest on Twitter and Instagram. Post your best fashion picture using #myderbyfashion…
View Post
Fri, April 30 2021
From pink suits, dresses and hats to pink trim or accents, pinks of all shades dominate at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. Those who think their pink styles out-do the rest can enter the Longines Fashion Contest. Aside from celebrating the female horses…
View Post
Thu, April 29 2021
Kentucky Derby week is one of the best times to experience live racing at Churchill Downs. Be a part of the excitement at Thurby, celebrating the best of Kentucky including culture, fare and racing.
View Post
Wed, April 14 2021
The Kentucky Derby may be famous for being the hallmark exhibition in the world of horse racing… but that’s not all it’s famous for. It’s also an exhibition of southern fashion and style for both men and women. There are few crowds in America that look quite…
View Post
Wed, April 07 2021
The weather is warming up and spring has finally sprung in the beautiful Bluegrass State. That means that we are less than one month away from the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby! There are so many ways to celebrate and get into the spirit of the season.…
View Post
Wed, March 31 2021
Are you excited to celebrate the upcoming Derby season with your close group of friends or family? There are many ways to have fun and enjoy the company of those you love while also protecting one another and staying safe. With spring finally here and warmer…
View Post
Tue, March 23 2021
Make Derby Day Floral Arrangements Like A ProDon’t you just love fresh flowers? Adding them to any event really makes the experience feel lavish. Get ready to “wow” your guests on Derby Day when you create a gorgeous floral centerpiece like a professional!…
View Post
Mon, March 15 2021
Are you ready to take your Kentucky Derby tablescape to the next level? Bring the spirit of the Winner’s Circle to your home celebration by creating a replica of the iconic Garland of Roses that graces the back of the winning thoroughbred in the Winner’s Circle…
View Post
Wed, August 26 2020
Are you ready for the 147th annual Run for the Roses? There are so many ways to enjoy the spirit of Derby Day in style! One of the most fun things about the Kentucky Derby is the color and vibrancy of its history. Inspiration can be found everywhere you look,…
View Post
Mon, August 17 2020
This engaging activity will bring the whole family together to create a festive garland of jockey silks that showcase your Derby spirit in your home! Create your garland with as many or as few jockey silks as you like. Allow personalities to showcase themselves…
View Post
Wed, August 12 2020
As someone who likes to dress for the occasion, the Kentucky Derby is my favorite event to be a part of. The year 2020 may have thrown us a few curve-balls, but that will not stop the parade of fashion, whether we dress up at home or at the track. No matter…
View Post
Thu, April 23 2020
This is a fun and incredibly simple project that makes a beautiful statement and will last for many years to come. Use your Run for the Roses wreath to make any space bright and festive. It is sure to be the perfect welcome or centerpiece for any Derby season…
View Post
Wed, April 22 2020
Are you ready to make a statement! This is a great fashion tutorial for all ages that you likely already have the supplies for right now in your home! No matter the circumstance, the first Saturday in May cannot be properly celebrated without the right fashion…
View Post
Mon, February 17 2020
Master milliner, author and educator Jenny Pfanenstiel of Formé Millinery is no stranger to the creative arts. She has been immersed in learning every technique imaginable throughout her life as an artist and career as a milliner. She is a Featured Milliner…
View Post
Wed, February 12 2020
Christine A. Moore’s bold, elegant and creative headpieces have been worn by celebrities and fashion connoisseurs who are drawn to her colorful, statement-making works of art. It is for this reason and many more that she holds the honor of being a Featured…
View Post
Thu, December 19 2019
It's obvious how seriously we take hats, so you can imagine how excited we are that Master Milliner and owner of Louisville's Formé Millinery Jenny Pfanenstiel is a Featured Milliner of the 146th Kentucky Derby. Jenny is internationally recognized and has…
View Post
Fri, May 10 2019
View Post
Sat, May 04 2019
What sets the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks apart from other sports and entertainment events? It's the hats! Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the Kentucky Derby hat parade is much of what makes "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" one of the…
View Post
Sat, May 04 2019
The spectacular fashion often seen at the Kentucky Derby is not solely a product of modern times; rather, opulent feminized dress has played a large role in the history of the Kentucky Derby. What Colonel M. Lewis Clark Jr., (the founding father of the Kentucky…
View Post
Sat, May 04 2019
The rose garland, now synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, is the source of the nickname "Run for the Roses®" and has a history almost as long as the Derby itself. Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing with…
View Post
Fri, May 03 2019
View Post
Fri, May 03 2019
Fashion is a key element of Kentucky Oaks Day. It’s a day to get dressed in your finest, frilliest most feminine attire and have a great time with the girls. Don’t forget, your hat is the most traditional and important accessory on Oaks Day (although fascinators…
View Post
Fri, May 03 2019
If you are planning to attend the Kentucky Oaks, we encourage you to wear any color as long as it is PINK — from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to sundresses, sunglasses to stilettos! Churchill Downs invites you to THINK PINK when planning your attire for Kentucky…
View Post
Thu, May 02 2019
Thurby Style
View Post
Thu, May 02 2019
View Post
Thu, April 11 2019
When Derby Week hits, the hustle and bustle of parties and activities takes over and you may feel like your head is spinning (hopefully not from too many mint juleps!). Whether you are planning just one day at the track or an entire week’s worth of festivities,…
View Post
Wed, March 27 2019
Ladies, it is finally time to truly let your inner Southern belle out to play! There are so many ways to dress up for the Run for the Roses, that you will have no excuse to not have fun with it!This week I will cover a few things that you will want to take…
View Post
Thu, March 14 2019
Hello everyone! This is Catherine Kung from The Southern Gloss and I am back to talk about what is arguably the most important fashion statement of the year… if you are a horseracing fan, that is! As Southerners, the Kentucky Derby is often the highlight…
View Post
Thu, February 28 2019
My name is Catherine Kung and I have had the joy of creating The Southern Gloss, which is a colorful fashion and lifestyle guide with roots in the South. I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and have a true passion for the races… and of course all the frills…
View Post
Sun, May 06 2018
View Post
Sat, May 05 2018
View Post
Sat, May 05 2018
View Post
Sat, May 05 2018
View Post
Sat, May 05 2018
View Post
Fri, May 04 2018
View Post
Fri, May 04 2018
View Post
Fri, May 04 2018
View Post
Fri, May 04 2018
View Post
Fri, May 04 2018
View Post
Thu, May 03 2018
View Post
Thu, May 03 2018
View Post
Wed, May 02 2018
View Post
Tue, March 20 2018
Today is the first day of spring and spring means Derby! So now is the time to start thinking about your Derby outfit and your Derby hat. Here's a little inspiration to get you in the mood for spring and Derby.
View Post
Sat, May 06 2017
Every year approximately 80,000 revelers pack the infield, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next Derby winner (or just an actual horse), reunite with old friends, maintain long-standing traditions and “party maximus.” As the center of the Derby’s famed “acceptable…
View Post
Sat, May 06 2017
Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, the tradition of wearing a hat at the Kentucky Derby & Oaks is much of what makes these two days some the greatest people-watching events in the world!The long-established fashion was started with Col. Meriwether Lewis…
View Post
Fri, May 05 2017
Fashion is a key element of Kentucky Oaks Day. It’s a day to get dressed in your finest, frilliest most feminine attire and have a great time with the girls, or boys. Click the galleries below to access photos of each contestant:GALLERY 1GALLERY 2GALLERY 3GALLERY…
View Post
Fri, May 05 2017
The 9th annual Survivors Parade took place this year on the turf course at historic Churchill Downs during the 142 Longines Kentucky Oaks on May 5, 2017, the day before the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands. 143 breast and ovarian cancer survivors were…
View Post
Thu, July 28 2016
If you're a kid there's one thing that's more fun than the Kentucky Derby and that's Camp Kenzie, where kids ages 7 to 13 learn to create their own Derby fashion. Under the tutelage of the extraordinarily talented milliner Kenzie Kapp at her Louisville studio…
View Post
Tue, July 12 2016
The Kentucky Derby is famous for its spring fashion but Churchill Downs is a fashion destination all year long - even when we're not racing. Today, Churchill Downs Magazine is at the track to shoot the fashion feature for its Fall Issue, and they're not letting a…
View Post
Thu, June 16 2016
The Royal Ascot is taking place this week and boy is it glamorous. The fashion is stunning and the hats are expensive, which is not surprising because the UK’s most important Thoroughbred event has a strict dress code in its premium areas. Women are required…
View Post
Sat, May 07 2016
Part Southern tradition, part spectacle, Kentucky Derby fashion is much of what makes "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" one of the greatest people-watching events in the world! Check back as we add photos throughout the day.
View Post
Fri, May 06 2016
Happy Kentucky Oaks 142 everyone. We'll be adding style and fashion photos here throughout the day.Enjoy!
View Post
Wed, April 20 2016
For locals the Kentucky Derby is actually a month long party that takes place all over the city. It’s called the Kentucky Derby Festival and it is days and days of fun and it starts this week. What so fun about it? It kicks off with one of the most massive…
View Post
Tue, March 22 2016
More than just America’s greatest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s most exciting events in food, drink, entertaining and style. The Derby’s rich traditions make it a celebration of the best of American and Southern culture. The…
View Post
Mon, March 21 2016
There are quite of few of us at Churchill Downs who think it’s a shame that no one dresses up any more. Luckily, we work for the Kentucky Derby. It’s probably the only place in the world where 170,000 people still dress to the hilt for a sporting event. The…
View Post