LOUISVILLE, Ky. A Kentucky Derby look isn’t complete without hats. Hats or fascinators for women. Hats for men, and not just the traditional ones.
People create their own pieces involving the Twin Towers, the horses and even the starting gate at Churchill Downs, which celebrates the 150th running of the famous race this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Derby was created by Meriweather Lewis Clark Jr., who wanted to bring the class and elegance of European racing to America. The tradition of wearing hats in the Derby began with its first race in 1875. But they began to take on a life of their own in the 1960s, becoming larger and more ornate so that the people wearing them could be seen on television.
That meant stylish clothes and shoes too. The tradition has never wavered in the Derby’s history and, in fact, continues to grow. There is a best dressed contest at Churchill Downs and there are three official dressmakers this year.
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