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Saddle Up! Johnny Weir Does the Kentucky Derby (Photos)

Fashion Sense

It ain’t easy being a fashion correspondent at the Kentucky Derby. Here, Johnny Weir picks his must-haves for a stylish day at the races. Hint: a show-stopping hat is not optional.

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Jeff Gentner/Getty
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The Kentucky Derby is a beautiful sporting event known for its iconic moments, roses, mint juleps, and photo finishes. It is a place not only to see and be seen, but also to make a splash.

 

When I think of the Derby, I immediately think of hats and vintage Cartier cigar cutters; I think of tradition, which makes me think “old.” While I am a firm believer in the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," I believe that everyone attending the Derby should shake things up, have fun, and wear what they love, the same mantras we should live by in our everyday lives.  

 

With that said, my fashion must-haves for the Kentucky Derby nod to tradition, but also have bold touches that create memorable moments and celebrate the season and Southern hospitality. Bring on the fried green tomatoes.

Jeff Gentner/Getty
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I have only been a fan of this amazing shoe for a few years, but the bowtie, the supple leather, and their non-traditional take on tradition won me over. I prefer my loafers in white, green, or a subtle pink to keep my feet dapper while waddling through the grass of the Winner's Circle.

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Chanel has something for everyone and for every occasion. Birth? There's a Chanel for that. Dentist appointment? There's a Chanel for that. Springtime in Kentucky? There is definitely a Chanel for that. The traditional Chanel attention to detail and the amazing accentuated waistline make this dress flirty and perfect for a spring sporting event. I would pair it with an incredible nude alligator pump.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
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Chris Benz is a gifted designer and a master with color. In addition to white, my favorite spring shade is green. Chris created this incredible smoking jacket several seasons ago and muddled the Vegas quality of the sequins by making them matte. What’s more perfect than a jacket the color of money? Place your bets...

Courtesy Chris Benz
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The last time I attended the Derby, I decided to wear Chanel tweed, and it was terribly muggy and hot. So when I came across this light and airy number by the incredible South Korean design house of Demoo Parkchoonmoo, I knew it'd be perfect for the stuffy temperatures sitting in the racetrack stands. The vest’s citrine is perfectly on trend for spring and is faintly the color of straw, very appropriate for those pre-race moments having a heart to heart with your favorite thoroughbred. 

Courtesy Demoo ParkchoonMoo
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Not gonna lie, when I started designing my Derby hat, this image was stuck in my brain like no one’s business. When you think of famous horses over time, Pegasus, the flying Greek horse, definitely comes to mind. His speed and athleticism will inspire this year’s horses to fly around the track.

Jacky Naegelen/Reuters
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Remember what I said about the Derby being a place to make a statement? Here it is. I've had the honor of wearing this necklace and it actually is two parts, a choker and a necklace. Emerald is perfect for luck on the track. I would pair this piece with barn jeans, Hermès equestrian boots, and a button-up denim to "dumb it down" a little. What else are you gonna wear in Kentucky?

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The day before the big race, the racing of the fillies happens at The Oaks. While the Derby is all about the hats, great hair is a must at The Oaks. I love a finger wave and this style from Gareth Pugh's runway show is flawless.

Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty
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In the 1800s, Hermès was founded as a company servicing the horse industry, creating bridles and other paraphernalia. So, it seems only natural that one should carry an Hermès bag to the Derby. I love this daytime clutch’s nod to tradition, especially in the Hermès signature orange.

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Gentlemen, take note: a silk pocket square is a must for the upwardly handsome. I love that, while this square is the traditional Hermès orange, it's also rough and tumble with the urban, multicolor graffiti. Consider it your version of wearing spurs, tough yet elegant.

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While I love a man in a light-colored suit at the Derby, I think this spring is all about navy.  While I may not be traditional enough for this look, I love the movement of the fabric, the rich navy color, which is almost denim, paired with a navy leather loafer.

Zuma
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I'm having a love affair with this fragrance for springtime. To be honest, when the weather warms up, it makes me feel a little sexual. Spring awakening? This eau de parfum is light and airy, evoking the scent of Moulin Rouge with notes of powder and, oddly, make-up sponges. The parties are such a scene at the Derby that sometimes a scent can set you apart. This one will help you pull ahead of those other racehorses.

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Leviev is absolutely impeccable, and this emerald ring (yes, I know, another emerald) is everything. It's a statement, it's good luck for your bets, it's timelessly elegant, and it'll be the envy of anyone sitting near you. I love that it's big enough to stable at least seven ponies. And, hey, you’ve earned the right to be ostentatious. 

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I am a huge fan of a rose gold watch. This one is a gentleman's classic, but I also love the way it looks on the delicate wrist of a lady, as a perfect accompaniment to her mint julep and white Chanel ensemble. 

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I'm not a big fan of mint juleps, but I am a fan of creating your own party cocktail. I've been drinking Sancerre all winter, and it’s time for a change. I love St. Germain mixed in equal parts to champagne or sparkling wine for a refreshing elderflower concoction that still tastes festive. What I'm saying is, with this beverage, you’ll avoid being the only douchebag holding a wine glass at a party of cocktails.

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I need to reiterate that the Kentucky Derby can be a very heated affair. People jumping all over each other as they cheer on their favorite horses combined with the unpredictable spring weather can cause the rise of body temperatures. A shorts military look may be just the winning ticket. I love Thom Browne's tailoring and overworked gentlemanisms in this outfit. It's all about the details, and I love the feeling of authority it gives while remaining streamlined and fabulous. I may opt out of the red lip though, just cuz...

Julien M. Hekimian/Getty
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Yudashkin is a legendary couturier with a gift for modernized silhouettes with a classically Russian sex kitten feel. I love this dress so much because of its flirty hemline and the structure of the shoulder. When you're in the stands with all the other horse folk, you'll feel strong and stand tall with these structural elements in your ensemble. I also love this color for spring. It may feel a bit too winter for some, but I love the look of an iceberg floating haphazardly through a field of peonies.


Catwalking/Getty

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