Go-Big or Go-Home

It’s Kentucky Derby time again. The 141st running of the thoroughbred race, “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” is always the first Saturday in May. My outfit this week is inspired by the go-big or go-home headdresses usually worn at this annual horserace since 1875. My outfit may not be perfect for Churchill Downs, but it is my own trifecta for a winning ensemble.

Hats seem to be having a moment in fashion. Even men are dabbling in hats. Remember Pharrell Williams’ infamous hat at the 2014 Grammys? This past winter, many fashion statements were made with hats. The forecasts for fall 2015 accessories include all kinds of headgear, from hats to headbands. I occasionally like to sport a topper myself.

Why the fancy hats at the Kentucky Derby?
While doing my homework for this post, I found an informative article about the story of the Kentucky Derby hats. It was a 19th-century businessman we can thank for turning Churchill Downs into one of the sports world’s most fashionable venues. That businessman, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the founder of the Kentucky Derby, transformed the racetrack from a place of ill repute to a place of high society and, therefore, high fashion. The hats are thought to bring good luck. No hat is too big or bold, so go big or go home. 

In his 1954 book, The Little Dictionary of Fashion, Christian Dior stated, “A hat is the quintessence of femininity with all the frivolity this word contains.”  That said, we see floppy straw hats, wide-brimmed, embellished feather hats, and, most recently, fascinators inspired by ladies from England.

Some fun facts about the Kentucky Derby:
1. The Kentucky Derby was founded in 1875 by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark. Clark was trying to
mimic England’s Epsom Derby.
2.  “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”
3. The red rose is the official flower; the winner is draped with a garland of red roses,
4. No Derby has been postponed because of rain or bad weather.
5. In 1925, N.Y. Journalist Bill Corum coined “run for the roses.”
6. The Kentucky Derby is the first of three races comprising the Triple Crown. The other two races
are the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
7.  The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
8.  General admission:  $35.00; Luxury Trackside Club tickets are available for $3,400 per person.
9.  Kentucky Derby attendance:  over 170,000 spectators.
10.  Purse: $2 million guarantee.

The Louisville, Kentucky, thoroughbred race is America’s longest continuous horserace.  The annual attendance requires the triple threat of a fabulous hat, chic dress, and high-style heels.  Whether you venture to the Kentucky Derby, plan a Kentucky Derby-themed party, or don a super-extravagant topper this spring, have a fabulous week!