Styled by Melissa Gagliardi and Christine Fellingham | Photos by Kylene White | Hair by Shayna Shearer for Calvin Mitchell Salon | Makeup by Sloan Winters for Circe Beauty Bar
Our city’s 2-minute sporting event is more accurately a 24/7, week-long party that extends far beyond the gates of Churchill Downs. We took two models and a pile of pretty clotghes and millinery on a trip downtown to the history-drenched Black Jockeys Lounge on Fourth Street. Let our imaginary escapades and elevated ensembles inspire your own post-pandemic Derby celebration.
Night Moves
A ruched black dress looks polished from pre-track brunch until closing time.
The Hat Girls Fascinator, $650, at The Hat Girls boutique or TheHatGirls.com. Purse is Brahmin, $335, at Macy’s. Carolina Herrera dress, $1690, cuff, $250, and necklace, $350, all at Glasscock/Glasscock Too.
Fringe Benefits
A column of white will stand out in a dark lounge, or a sea of bright colors.
The Hat Girls Fascinator, $430, at The Hat Girls boutique or TheHatGirls.com. Christian Siriano dress, $790, at Glasscock/Glasscock Too. Earrings, $14, bracelet, $20, bangles, $28 each, at Darling State of Mind.
Life of the Party
Sequins and paillettes are making an appearance for day and adding more flash and drama to dressing for this global occasion.
The Hat Girls Fascinator, $460, at The Hat Girls boutique or TheHatGirls.com. Nicole Miller dress, $495, at Rodeo Drive. Necklace, $18, at Darling State of Mind.
Lounge Act
You don’t need a stage to attract a spotlight in chartreuse pleated silk with a plunging neckline.
The Hat Girls fascinator, $430, at The Hat Girls boutique or TheHatGirls.com. Amur dress, $598, at Rodeo Drive.
Full Swing
Fourth Street is hopping, from The Mercury Ballroom to the Brown Hotel to Fourth Street Live – making the Black Jockeys Lounge a great first or last stop in a memorable Derby night out. For more info and reservations, go to Blackjockeyslounge.com.
Forme Fascinator, $550, at Forme or Formemillinery.com. De Loreta top, $230, and bottom, $310, and BC Handbags, $125, at Glasscock/Glasscock Too.
Downtown Destination
In addition to its extensive bourbon selection, BJL is known for its inventive craft-cocktails. A must-have? The Willis Sims is a refreshing blend of bourbon, orange juice, maple syrup, orange bitters, vermouth and ginger beer named after the only Black jockey to win all three races of the Triple Crown. For their cocktail menu, go to Blackjockeyslounge.com.
Forme fascinator, $750, at Forme Millinery or Formemillinery.com. Iris Setlakwe dress, $415, and bracelet, $25, at Glasscock/Glasscock Too. Coach purse from Macy’s.
Photo Finish
An embellished brim and slinky dress with side cut-outs make for a memorable photo opp.
Forme hat, $750, at Forme Milliners or Formemillinery.com. Significant Other dress, $240, at Glasscock/Glasscock Too. Bracelets, $18, at Darling State of Mind.
Models: Dominique Thompson and Maria Danyal for Heyman Talent
Photo assistant: William Kolb
