Let's imagine for a moment, a horse race in Central Park, as we document our Kentucky Derby attire at The Boathouse.

Paying homage to the days when dressing up was part of everyday life for all—the days of Simone de Beauvoir—whom this Johanna Ortiz dress is named after, a French feminist writer and existential thinker/philosopher. Most famously known for saying, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

Thank you, to my friend Linda Pagan, for customizing this gorgeous Derby hat, completing the look, and turning me on to  Jacques Henri Lartigue, a French photographer known for his captures of automobile races, planes and fashionable Parisian ladies. Which happened to be my similar vision when styling this look.

“Two separate beings, in different circumstances, face to face in freedom and seeking justification of their existence through one another, will always live an adventure full of risk and promise." - Simone de Beauvoir

Photos by Keziban Barry

I was wearing:

Johanna Ortiz Striped Linen Simone De Beauvoir Dress

Dolce and Gabbana Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Sergio Rossi Mermaid Booties

J.Crew Rattan Clutch

Hat Shop NYC

Kavador Witko Pearl Necklace

Kavador Roxana Earrings

He was wearing:

Illesteva Leonard Mirrored Lense Sunglasses