In celebration of NYFW, Louisville Tourism partnered with the legendary Churchill Downs Racetrack to offer a stylish preview of custom Derby looks ahead of the 152nd Annual Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026. The fashionable soirée unfolded at Saks Fifth Avenue, transforming the iconic retail space into a refined Derby day fantasy filled with fashion, flavor, and Southern charm.
Guests were immersed in an evening that blended couture millinery with Louisville-inspired indulgence. Derby-themed bites highlighted the city’s culinary heritage, while bourbon flowed generously courtesy of Woodford Reserve. The cocktail menu read like a love letter to the Bluegrass State. Classic Mint Juleps combined Woodford Reserve Bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint, while timeless Old Fashioneds featured bourbon, sugar, and bitters. The Woodford Spire added a refreshing twist with lemonade, cranberry juice, and a lemon peel, alongside the simplicity of Woodford Reserve Bourbon served on the rocks.
The true stars of the evening, however, perched elegantly atop attendees’ heads. Gorgeous hats and fascinators from three celebrated milliners captured the spirit of the iconic Derby style. NYC-based CAM Hats by Christine A. Moore delivered couture drama with sculptural bows, florals, and silhouettes crafted entirely by hand. Each piece reflected Moore’s mastery of traditional millinery techniques, elevated by meticulous attention to detail and bespoke craftsmanship that has earned her international recognition.
Louisville’s own Jenny Pfanenstiel of Forme Millinery showcased why her name is synonymous with Derby elegance. As the Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Museum and a seven-time Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby, her creations transcend accessory status. Sculpted on a rare 1800s braid machine, her hats are wearable art forms that balance historic technique with modern sophistication.
Completing the trio, The Hat Girls, designers Rachel and Kate, brought youthful energy and heartfelt passion to the event. Louisville natives through and through, their custom headwear celebrates individuality and joy, with designs available seasonally online and in select boutiques nationwide.
We wore one of our favorite winter white fascinators, perfectly paired with a coordinating sweater, proving that even chilly temperatures cannot dim the shine of Derby fashion. Mother Nature tried to interfere, but the power of Kentucky Derby style prevailed.
Guests were invited to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of Derby fashion by trying on and wearing the stunning fascinators throughout the evening. The experience transformed attendees from observers into participants, allowing them to step into the timeless pageantry of the Kentucky Derby.
With each sculptural brim and delicate flourish, guests posed confidently in a dedicated photo booth, capturing moments of personal style and playful elegance. These photographs served as keepsakes of the night, preserving not only fashionable looks but also the joy, creativity, and celebratory energy that defined the event.
Adding to the excitement, the event featured a live band, the Louisville Kentucky Derby Cup, and one lucky guest won a trip to attend the upcoming Derby. Though the weather outside was cold, inside Saks, the atmosphere echoed the racing grounds itself. Elegant, electric, and unmistakably Derby, the evening was a triumphant toast to fashion, tradition, and the enduring allure of Louisville’s most iconic celebration.
