The hats, not the horses, are the real spectacle at Kentucky Derby

Every first Saturday of May, a group of opulently dressed people flock at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky to witness the race of horses. This event is famously known as the Kentucky Derby. I call it the Kentucky Parade of Hats.

Image Source: orlandosentinel.com

Image Source: sacbee.com

You see, it’s always the hats that get all the attention at Kentucky Derby. If you haven’t been at the derby and I ask you the name of the winning horse, you probably would not know. The media always puts a wider coverage on the elaborate hats that people wear at the event than at the horses or the importance of the Kentucky Derby Festival. And sometimes (I do not want to be judgmental here, but I’ll do it anyway), fashionistas also join in on the festivities just to display their headgears.

Image Source: time.com

I can’t blame them, honestly. In fact, I would do just the same if I have the chance. Why, it’s nice to flaunt a fancy hat once in a while and feel like a royal. When it’s raining, I would cover my hat in plastic, too, so it won’t get wet. Heck, my hat is more precious than my dress.

Speaking of fancy hats, Coco Rocha wins the 2013 Kentucky Derby hat race for me. The model’s Vogue-worthy headgear is adorned with giant purple orchids. The blush pink color of the hat matches her blush pink dress while the purple flowers complement her purple lipstick. It covers only one side of her head, apparently telling people that it’s not worn for the sun or the rain, but for the camera.

Image Source: glamour.com

For now, I am just browsing the fancy hats at 2013 Kentucky Derby through the Web. But I’m planning to attend the Kentucky Derby next year … to personally ogle the hats.  


Aside from fashion, Ava Benedict writes about health, fitness, and cooking. Follow this blog to learn more about flair and grace.