Churchill Downs Racetrack unveiled its third annual Kentucky Derby Style Guide in hopes of inspiring fans on how to plan their race-day looks ahead of the 152nd Run for the Roses, taking place on Saturday, May 2. Style correspondent, trusted red carpet authority, and veteran Style Guide guest editor Zanna Roberts Rassi returned for her third consecutive year curating the official lookbook, which also includes illustrations from Kentucky Derby 152 artist Grayson Reynolds.
“Derby fashion is about much more than the clothes you’re wearing; it’s about the creative process,” said Zanna Roberts Rassi. “From playing with color and texture to drawing inspiration from the world around us and your mood within, Derby style empowers people to channel their creativity in new and unexpected ways. Building on this concept, I’m especially excited that this year’s Style Guide showcases how fashion and art are intrinsically tied, particularly in an environment as vibrant and unique as Churchill Downs on race day.”
To further bring this artistic vision to life, Churchill Downs partnered with Reynolds, the official artist of the 152nd Kentucky Derby. Her original illustrations are featured throughout the guide, capturing the storied scenery and signature elements that are part of Churchill Downs’ legacy, visually representing how fashion and art come together on Derby Day.
The Style Guide also includes designs from featured Kentucky Derby milliners Formé Millinery (Jenny Pfanenstiel), The Hat Girls (Kate Smith and Rachel Bell), and Christine A. Moore Millinery (Christine Moore), alongside pieces from longtime fashion partners Longines, Vineyard Vines, Radley London, and Brackish. Featuring maximalist fascinators, textured flower fabrics, and deeply saturated colors, the looks adorned in the guide and seen at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May each serve as their own spectacular Derby masterpieces.
“Fashion and art have always gone hand in hand, and the Kentucky Derby® is a perfect example of that connection,” said Michelle Walkup, marketing director for Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Through the Style Guide and the work of our outstanding fashion partners and milliners, we are excited to use the pages of this year’s lookbook to show how Derby continues to serve as a canvas for artistry, fashion, beauty, and expression.”