141st Kentucky Derby
"Is there someone who personifies your idea of style?"
DV: "Well you see—a racehorse being let out, I think that they've got something that no one else has. . ."
"Racehorse, why do you use the racehorse as an example?"
DV: "Because a racehorse is a little extra—a little extra pizzazz."
It is undoubtedly the Fashion that makes the Kentucky Derby the greatest and most famous horse race in the world. Diana Vreeland's words rang no truer here at the 141st Kentucky Derby, a pastime that has drawn hundreds of thousands of people of all ages and walks of life into the normally quiet city of Louisville, Kentucky each Spring. Gathering at the historic Churchill Downs to socialize, place bets, crowd gaze, drink barrels upon barrels of delicious bourbon and mint juleps . . . . and of course to dress in full Derby regalia. A feast for the eyes it was, in all of its trappings and splendor.
Only one horse will gallop the fastest and want it just a little bit more than the rest, and at the Kentucky Derby we dress out of respect and tradition for these four-legged beauties and the intense training and talent that goes into the sport.
After all, one could say life is as fleeting as the horse race itself—it is the dream of triumphant glory that sustains. So buy the over-the-top hat with feathers, ruffles and flowers! And remember these words: "A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste—it's hearty, it's healthy, it's physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I'm against." -Diana Vreeland
As you know by now, anytime there is a precedence for dressing, The Eye Travels is there. However, this event was particularly special because I was able to share it with one of my close friends who was born and raised in Kentucky—together all of us enjoyed the race for the very first time in the Winner's Circle Boxes! A memory that will be cherished. Derby dreams came true for many that day.
All other photos by The Eye Travels.
This post is dedicated to Dino, a sweet horse that I had the opportunity to spend some time with last summer at Amaryllis Horse Sanctuary, a beautiful place where abandoned and abused horses are rescued and given the comfortable, happy life they deserve. Deens is a decorated trophy winning horse, who found himself neglected and left for dead after his racing days were over. In lovingly handling and brushing him, I hope I helped him to trust again—humans, we're not all bad!