The phrase “go big or go home” is taken quite seriously at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby is not just the most iconic horse race in the world, it’s also a fashion show with hats that are larger than life.
Since the very first race on May 17, 1875, Col. Meriwether Clark Jr. – founder of Churchill Downs and grandson of the famous explorer William Clark – had the vision of modeling the races after British horseracing. Those races had strict dress codes for men and women, and those dress codes typically included hats.
Men have the option of wearing fedoras or bowler hats, but women usually have more fun designs — with the exception of guys such as Skip Koepnick.
The Kentucky Derby was televised nationally for the first time on CBS in 1952. Being on television encouraged people to step up their fashion game. British fashion has continued influencing attendees, as events such as the Royal Wedding in 2011 have helped keep the magic of hats and fascinators alive.
Hats aren’t technically mandatory at the Kentucky Derby, but showing up without one is a major faux pas. Milliners are busy year round helping ladies at Churchill Downs look their best on race day.
Who wins the Kentucky Derby? And…
