Derby Traditions: Roses, Juleps, and Southern Style
The Kentucky Derby's traditions weren't planned by committee - they evolved naturally, often by happy accident. Take the mint julep, which wasn't even the original Derby drink.
The Hare
Finding Your Perfect Kentucky Derby Hat: A Guide to Milliners
While department stores and boutiques offer Derby hats, working with a professional milliner provides distinct advantages. These artisans create custom pieces that consider not just your outfit, but your features, height, and how you'll wear your hair.
Origins of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby began with Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.'s transformative European travels in 1872.¹ Witnessing both the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris, Clark returned to Louisville with a vision for creating an American equivalent to these prestigious races.²
A Gentleman's Approach to Derby Dressing: One Month and Counting
With the Kentucky Derby now a mere month away, men still without appropriate attire might consider a thoughtful approach rather than a panicked one. The Derby, being both sporting event and social occasion, invites consideration of both tradition and individual expression.
Derby Men's Clothing Guide: 2025 Style Guide for Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby demands more than mere fashion—it requires an understanding of sporting tradition, cultural heritage, and the delicate balance between classic style and contemporary interpretation.
Men's Derby Day Style: The Sock Guide
When it comes to dressing for the Kentucky Derby, most gentlemen focus on their seersucker suits, colorful bow ties, and statement hats. However, the perfect pair of socks can be the subtle detail that elevates your entire Derby outfit.
Bespoke vs. Off-the-Rack: Should You Invest in a Custom Derby Hat?
The Kentucky Derby isn't just America's most prestigious horse race—it's a cultural spectacle where fashion takes center stage alongside thoroughbreds. At Churchill Downs, your hat isn't merely an accessory; it's a statement piece that can define your entire Derby experience.
Is a Linen Jacket Appropriate for the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby happens in May, when Louisville's weather can be wonderfully warm or surprisingly sultry. This often leads gentlemen to consider linen for their Derby attire.
The Ups and Downs of Derby Day Suspenders
As the first Saturday in May approaches and Louisville prepares for its grandest celebration, gentlemen across the country are piecing together their Derby day ensembles.
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO KENTUCKY DERBY FASHION: FIRST-TIMER'S EDITION
Just got invited to the Derby and starting from scratch with dress clothes? Don't worry - dressing for Derby Day isn't as complicated as it might seem. Here's what you need to know.
Behind the Brim: The Art and Legacy of Kentucky Derby Millinery
Today's Derby milliners often begin their journeys in unexpected ways. Some inherit family traditions stretching back generations, while others discover the craft after careers in fashion design or sculpture. What unites them is their dedication to preserving and evolving this distinctive art form.
Men's Hats at the Kentucky Derby: A Guide to Classic Styles
While the spectacular creations worn by women tend to capture the headlines, men's hats have played their own significant role in Derby tradition. From the top hats of the Victorian era to today's refined selections...