May in Indiana is known for racing, whether it is track and field, or racing cars. But, in the great state of Kentucky, May is known for the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is the largest, most well-known horse race in all the world.
According to National Geographic’s Sydney Combs, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown in horse racing. The Triple Crown also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes races. The race track in Louisville was founded by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., who is the grandson of William Clark. Combs stated, “Who, by the side of Meriwether Lewis, explored the western side of the United States, which is now known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clark Jr. produced the idea after he toured the prime royal tracks while on a trip around Europe.” According to Combs, the first race on the Kentucky Derby track was held in 1875, which makes the race the longest continuously held sporting event in American History.
According to Forbes’ Michele Harrison, there is no dress code or guidelines that require people to wear derby hats. It is just an unspoken rule: everyone knows you should wear a derby hat to the race. The Kentucky Derby’s pageantry is central to the race by design. Clark Jr.’s wife, Mary, was a socialite and promoted the race as a well-to-do affair. It is an event for the rich and famous to mingle and see each other in their finest dress. According to Louisville milliner Jenny Pfanensteil, she believes people may consider the hats as a sign of good luck. She then stated, “So people thought the bigger the hat, the better the luck.” She believes that is where the big brims came into play, and the trend just stuck around from there. She proceeded to state, “If you are wearing something on your head, that is all that matters. If you are not, then you are the one sticking out.”
Over the years, the fashion trends at the derby have changed immensely. From the long dresses the women wore in the 1800s, to the short dresses in the roaring 20s. Then, women started dressing more reserved throughout the 40s and 50s. Even though the fashion has changed over the years, people still contribute to wearing derby hats ever since its start.
Last year’s fashion at the Derby is going to be hard to suppress for these upcoming years. One of the most iconic outfits of last year was Alix Earle. Last year, Alix showed up looking her best at the weekend event. Her first outfit was an ivory dress from Ultra Zora, paired with black pumps from Ultra Zora; she accessorized with a black tassel bag from the brand Hunting Season, then finished off the look with a black derby hat. Her second outfit (which was my favorite) was a peplum bustier dress from Balmain in the feather print, which she paired with a b-buzz dynasty bag from Balmain as well. She then accessorized with a panthere de cartier watch from Cartier.
Overall, I think the Kentucky Derby is a fascinating race, and the fashion worn there is unique. If I ever get the chance to go, I would surely not pass the offer up. Stay tuned this year and see what outfits appear on the red carpet.
