Looking for a Kentucky Derby outfit? Here are 11 fashion shows to check out
Gege Reed
It is time to start thinking about what you will wear for the 150th Kentucky Derby. Whether you're in the infield or the grandstand, you want to dress to impress. Need some inspiration? Here are more than 10 fashion shows to attend to see what are the top fashion trends for spring:
2nd Annual Hat on For Healing Derby Hat Auction
WHAT: Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you bid on over 250 new and gently used hats and fascinators. Proceeds benefit Kosair for Kids Child Abuse Prevention Fund.
WHERE: The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: March 21, 5:30 p.m.
COST: $40 advance, $50 at the door
MORE INFORMATION: kosair.org/events/hats-on-for-healing.
Derby Hat Exchange
WHAT: Show off your most glamorous hats and mix and mingle with fellow Kentucky Derby hat enthusiasts. How it works: bring a gently used or new Kentucky Derby hat to participate. There will be a huge wall of hats to choose from. Find a hat you love, exchange your hat for a new one, and that’s it. You can exchange your hat as many times as you want.
WHERE: HelloSpoke, 118 East Main St.
WHEN: March 23, 10 a.m. to noon
COST: Tickets start at $35
MORE INFORMATION: louisville.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/events/2024-derby-hat-exchange
Kentucky Derby Museum Hat Show
WHAT: See the latest couture designs from the Kentucky Derby Museum’s featured milliners at this one-of-a-kind event. Enjoy complimentary mimosas, bloody marys, and premium wine options. Grab some brunch bites before the models hit the runway to show off the latest hat and jewelry trends. DJ will keep the party going while milliners help you plan your signature Derby look. Feature milliners include Christine Moore of Christine A. Moore Millinery; Jenny Pfanenstiel of Formé Millinery Company; Ilana Kogan of The Hat Doctor; Mary Julia Kaiser of Derbyologie and Melissa Huff of Mamili and Mad Hatter 502.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
WHEN: March 24, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
COST: $75, $125 for VIP, includes reserved front row seating and swag bag.
MORE INFORMATION: derbymuseum.org
Dillard's Spring Fashion Show
WHAT: See the latest spring fashion trends and accessories for the Kentucky Derby season from Dillard's and local boutiques as they come down the runway at this annual style extravaganza. This Kentucky Derby Festival event is the place to find must-haves along with what to wear for the upcoming season. For ages 21 and older.
WHEN: March 28. Boutique shopping and cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and fashion show at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Caesars Southern Indiana, 11999 Casino Center Drive, Elizabeth, Indiana
COST: $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of 10 for showroom/main floor seating and includes reserved dinner seating, wine, goodie bag, event pin and show; $75 per person for balcony seating and includes hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets, goodie bag and event pin.
MORE INFORMATION: kdf.org.
8th Annual Down with Derby Fashion Show
WHAT: Proceeds to benefit Angels in Disguise.
WHERE: Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
WHEN: March 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $75
MORE INFORMATION: downwithderby.com.
High Fashion on Main
WHAT: See the latest collections from top designers and runway shows, and discover the hottest fashion tips from industry experts. Also spoken/word/musical performances, kids fashion showcase, drag show, DJ, band, and refreshments.
WHERE: Lou Rae Riverside Arts and Events, 611 West Main St.
WHEN: April 6, 7-10 p.m.
COST: $40-$90
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com.
Kentucky Derby Model Icon Fashion Show
WHAT: The fashion show showcases several styles of clothing and accessories with models of all sizes, heights and ages.
WHERE: Shelbyville Conference & Welcome Center, 219 Seventh St., Shelbyville, Kentucky
WHEN: April 7, 5 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $50
MORE INFORMATION:eventbrite.com/e/kentucky-derby-model-icon-fashion-show-tickets
Fascinator Affair 2024
WHAT: Waterfront Botanical Gardens' third annual fashion show and luncheon featuring Derby-season accessories for both men and women. Fashions from Ashley Russell Millinery, Peake Ties, Tiffany Woodard Designs, Frances B Hats, and Formé Millinery. Jean West will emcee. Includes lunch from A Full Plate Catering plus drinks.
WHERE: Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: April 11, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COST: $100
MORE INFORMATION: Proceeds to benefit Waterfront Botanical Gardens programs. waterfrontgardens.org/fascinator.
71st Annual Queen's Daughter's Fashion Show and Luncheon
WHAT: This year's models will represent more than 18 parishes in the Louisville area including Miss Kentucky, Mallory Hudson (third runner-up to Miss America), and Miss Louisville, Olivia Andrews. Fashions provided by Dillard’s. Claudia Coffey from Great Day Live is the host.
WHERE: Crown Plaza Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane
WHEN: April 11, doors open at 11 a.m.
COST: $65
MORE INFORMATION: Reservations are needed by March 28. queensdaughtersinc.com/upcoming-events/2024-fashion-show-and-luncheon.
Women's Council of Realtors presents Derby Chic & Julep Sips Fashion Show
WHAT: A day full of derby fun with a fashion show, networking, sipping, surprises, and more.
WHERE: Van Gogh Room, Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: April 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COST: Tickets start at $100
MORE INFORMATION:facebook.com/WCRLouisville
Roses on the Runway
WHAT: Fashion extravaganza as Roses on the Runway takes center stage, where style blooms and models strut their stuff showcasing the latest trends and designs. Sponsored by the Young Nonprofit Foundation
WHERE: Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
WHEN: May 3, 4-7:30 p.m.
COST: $40-$60
MORE INFORMATION: eventbrite.com/e/roses-on-the-runway-tickets
Reach News Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.