Derby Fashion with Lili Kobielski

A visually stunning celebration of the fashion statements that have come to define attending the Kentucky Derby.
Although the Kentucky Derby is officially about horses, it’s also very much about the spectators, the dresses, the suits, the hats, the blazers—the scene! From the fantastic to the sublime, the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing a Derby ensemble. From wide-brimmed hats adorned with feathers and flowers that neatly coordinate with tasteful, pastel-colored dresses to over-the-top creations with a Barbie doll straddling a martini glass and holding a toy horse—the Derby has seen it all.
Delving into the intersection of high fashion and Southern tradition, Kobielski showcases the vibrant array of styles and personalities that grace the event each year. No longer only limited to women’s fashion, men have stepped up their game in more recent years as well; it’s not totally unexpected to spot a baby-pink striped suit spangled with chestnut horses, among other creations. Through Kobielski’s expert eye we see the Kentucky Derby for the fashion spectacle that it is, as she captures the hats, the suits, and the dresses from the most exciting two minutes in sports. Prepare to be transported to the heart of Churchill Downs, where timeless elegance meets contemporary flair in a celebration of sartorial splendor.

Lili Kobielski is an award-winning photographer whose work has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times and The New Yorker. She is the author of three photography books: Rockabye (2015), I Refuse for the Devil to Take My Soul (2018) and At the Derby: Kentucky's Grandest Celebration of Fashion (2026). Lili teaches photography at her alma mater, New York University and lives in Vermont with her husband and two sons.

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