The Kentucky Derby is just as much about the fashion as the race itself. Every spring since 1875 Churchill Downs floods with society’s most fashionable spectators to watch the Run for the Roses.
There are many traditions associated with the Derby’s long history such as mint juleps, the roses awarded to the winning horse, and the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” but none are as fun and unique as the hats that are displayed each year.
Its Origins
The tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat began at the inception of the race; the founder Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. wanted to ensure a good crowd at his event.
At the time the race track had a reputation as immoral and dangerous, so Clark looked to other successful races for inspiration. It’s easy to call to mind the glamorous Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle and her moment of 2 worlds colliding at the Ascot races in England.
According to the Kentucky Derby Museum, to gather a crowd, Clark loaded up a wagon full of high society women who were dressed elaborately from their hats to their heels.
The vehicle filled with Clark and his girls went door-to-door around town to tell their friends that they were going to have a picnic at the racetrack.
Clark’s plan was very much a success, and the wealthy class started to pour into the stadium in their finest, as a place to see and be seen. The tradition of the hat lives on as a fun element to the races.
Light Blue Fascinator Hat For Women
Powder blue is a gorgeous shade that can bring a fresh, soft and calming quality to an accessory. Topped off with a blue silk rose, which is one of the underlying motifs of the Kentucky Derby, the hat truly emanates elegance.
There isn’t enough to say about this chic and versatile Powder Blue Sinamay Fascinator Hat. It’s ideal for anything from a wedding to a horse race.
Vixen Millinery Light Pink Sinamay Fascinator Hat
The Vixen Millinery Light Pink Sinamay Fascinator Hat Is A Great Neutral Choice that can be worn with many different color dresses.
So that there’s something to look at on all sides, the detail can be found on both sides of the hat. The headpiece is attached via a thin, fabric-covered headband.
Light Pink And Navy Annaliese Fascinator Hat
The sweet side of the color red is Pink. While the color red stirs up passion, aggression, and action, large amounts of the color pink can create physical weakness and subtlety.
This beautiful women’s hat, by the Niche Collection, is an elegant headpiece to wear for the Kentucky Oaks, a Polo match, wedding, luncheon, or any special occasion.
White With Navy Rosa Fascinator Hat
The Rosa down brim hat in white and navy, with a large Sinamay rose is one of the most fascinating Kentucky Derby hat design around.
This hat is particularly interesting due to its large rose in the front, which turns this basic hat into something extraordinary.
Black With Red Orchid Dreams Fascinator Hat
Different from most rose ornamented hats, this Orchid Dreams Fascinator hat is a sight to behold for it is topped with black with red orchids.
Furthermore, the orchid is the most highly coveted of ornamental plants. It is a delicate, exotic and graceful flower that represents love, luxury, beauty, and strength.
The Rebecca Couture Dramatic, black fascinator hat with luxurious red orchids is an excellent choice for the Kentucky Derby or a day at the races! The unique headpiece is attached via a fabric-covered headband.
Black Tracy Fascinator Hat
The Tracy Fascinator Hat is a classy headdress that screams majesty and gracefulness. The simple all-black design with a minimal black flower headpiece emanates refinement and high-end style.
This gorgeous black women’s fascinator hat, by Nigel Rayment, is an elegant classic piece to wear for a luncheon, wedding, a Polo match, or any special occasion. The headpiece is attached via a headband.
Takeaway
A tradition is a behavior or belief passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. In this case, the Kentucky Derby hats are a vital part of the race’s tradition.
Without the existence of these hats, which were a symbol of status and class back in the day, the Kentucky Derby will not be the same. Thus, in the light of preserving this prestigious tradition, it would be ideal to look your best while enjoying the custom.
