Go Big or Go Home, Kentucky Derby
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.
Go Big or Go Home

Wearing Banana Republic black lace crop top with J.Crew Double-breasted linen ivory blazer, Sara Pacini linen wide-leg pants, San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid XL brim black hat with Kate Spade New York camel Licorice suede pumps.
At the Harrisburg Capital Annex;  Wearing Banana Republic black lace crop top with J.Crew Double-breasted linen ivory blazer, Sara Pacini linen wide-leg pants, San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid XL brim black hat with Kate Spade New York camel Licorice suede pumps.

Hats, seem to be having a moment in fashion. Even men are dabbling into 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 kind of head gear from hats to headbands. I occasionally like to sport a topper myself.

Pharrell Williams, singer, songwriter, rapper at the 2014 Grammys
Go big or go home, Pharrell Williams, singer, songwriter, rapper at the 2014 Grammys

 

Why the fancy hats at the Kentucky Derby?
In doing my homework for this post, I came across an informative article on the story of the Kentucky Derby hats. It was a 19th century businessman we can thank for turning Churchill Downs into one of the sport 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 place of high-society-and therefore high fashion. The hats are thought to bring good luck. There is no hat too big or bold, so go big or go home. 

Christian Dior stated in his 1954 book, The Little Dictionary of Fashion, “A hat is the quintessence of femininity with all the frivolity this word contains.”  That being stated, we see hats that are floppy straw, wide-brimmed, embellished and 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 ever been postponed because of rain or bad weather.
5. In 1925, N.Y. Journalist Bill Corum coined the phrase “run for the roses.”
6. The Kentucky Derby is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown. The other two races,
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.

Horses coming around the first turn at the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Horses coming around the first turn at the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.

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 just don a super-extravagant topper this spring or not, have a fabulous week!

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