Saturday was a big day for big hats.
Preps underway for medics & stretchers to be ready whenever one of the coronation soldiers standing guard faint from the heat. Esp the ones in the bearskin hats. Maybe the rain tomorrow will help cool things down. pic.twitter.com/RBZnn9XR3P
— Melinda Mosheim (@melinda_mosheim) May 5, 2023
Oh, wait. Wrong hat, wrong event.
We are ✨living✨ for the hat and fascinators so far today. pic.twitter.com/hWIIGo8qM5
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023
Much better.
After the coronation of King Charles, the Kentucky Derby kept the theme of gaudy headwear going. Next to the actual horse race, the Derby is best known for the bold fashion choices of those in attendance, mainly their flamboyant hats.
The looks certainly didn't disappoint this year.
❤️ for the head
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023
for the helmet pic.twitter.com/7RUz2MlnCN
Good weather, good fashion, and good times. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/1zPm3z8TZN
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023
Spectators are ready for the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Post time is 6:57 p.m. EST.
— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 6, 2023
Follow live updates here: https://t.co/HkKGiPhllz pic.twitter.com/IL7Mv1zfmM
Someone even gave Princess Anne an idea for her next hat.
Now THAT is a HAT. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/5kXsWCenkJ
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 6, 2023
Princess Anne, King Charles III’s secret weapon, has a starring role in the #Coronation today https://t.co/Hu6sWuD6ve pic.twitter.com/6loWGeqw6m
— Tatler (@Tatlermagazine) May 6, 2023
“So Princess Anne, you have one mission. Just sit right in front of Harry with a massive red feather on top of your hat. Perfect. Nailed it. Mission accomplished.”#Coronation pic.twitter.com/HGRIqHXN9k
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) May 6, 2023
The tradition dates back to the first Kentucky Derby in 1875. As stylist Darius Baptist told ABC News in 2017, "When women got dressed up, especially when they were going to church and formal events, the woman's crowning glory was the hat."
Butler went on to add, "It's also a combination of Southern culture and British culture."
That was never more evident than on Saturday, when the two collided in a major way.
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