Celebrity style highlights

Selma Blair turned heads at the 2025 Kentucky Derby in a striking emerald green ensemble that paired a structured midi dress with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat adorned with silk flowers. Her look was both elegant and daring, capturing the spirit of the Derby’s fashion-forward tradition. Blair’s choice of bold colour and clean lines was a standout among the crowd, earning her praise from fashion critics and fans alike.

Nicole Kidman, representing Australia with her signature grace, opted for a soft blush-toned dress with intricate lace detailing and a sculptural fascinator that added a touch of whimsy. Her look was a masterclass in understated glamour, perfectly suited to the Derby’s high-fashion atmosphere. The ensemble was completed with pearl drop earrings and a vintage-inspired clutch, showcasing her timeless style.

Meanwhile, singer and actress Janelle Monáe embraced a more avant-garde approach, wearing a monochrome black-and-white outfit with geometric patterns and a towering hat that resembled a modern art piece. Her bold fashion statement was a favourite among photographers and fashion bloggers, who praised her fearless approach to Derby dressing.

Australian model Shanina Shaik also made a splash, arriving in a vibrant coral dress with a plunging neckline and a feathered headpiece that added movement and flair. Her look was both sultry and sophisticated, reflecting the Derby’s blend of tradition and trendsetting style. Shaik’s outfit was complemented by strappy heels and a metallic clutch, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.

Other notable appearances included actor Jonathan Bailey in a tailored pastel suit with a floral tie, and singer Kelsea Ballerini in a sunflower-yellow dress with puffed sleeves and a matching hat. Each celebrity brought their own unique flair to the event, turning the racetrack into a runway of high fashion and personal expression.

Bold colors and standout accessories

The 2025 Kentucky Derby was awash with a kaleidoscope of colours, as celebrities embraced bold hues and daring accessories that pushed the boundaries of traditional race day fashion. Electric blues, fiery reds, and vivid yellows dominated the scene, with many attendees opting for colour-blocked ensembles that made a powerful visual impact. These vibrant choices not only stood out against the backdrop of Churchill Downs but also reflected a growing trend toward fearless self-expression in event dressing.

Accessories played a starring role, with oversized hats and fascinators taking centre stage. Many featured elaborate embellishments such as feathers, sequins, and even LED lights, adding a theatrical flair to the already extravagant outfits. Australian actress Margot Robbie turned heads with a canary yellow hat adorned with cascading silk ribbons and a matching clutch shaped like a blooming flower. Her look was both playful and polished, capturing the festive spirit of the Derby.

Men also embraced the bold accessory trend, with brightly coloured pocket squares, patterned socks, and statement sunglasses making frequent appearances. Actor Chris Hemsworth, attending with his wife Elsa Pataky, wore a crisp white suit paired with a cobalt blue tie and a floral lapel pin, adding a pop of colour that was both refined and eye-catching. His look was a nod to classic Derby style with a modern Australian twist.

Jewellery choices leaned toward the extravagant, with layered necklaces, oversized earrings, and chunky bangles adding texture and sparkle. Many attendees coordinated their accessories with their outfits, creating cohesive and visually striking ensembles. Metallic accents, particularly in gold and rose gold, were popular among both men and women, lending a touch of glamour to the daytime event.

Footwear was another area where bold choices shone. While comfort remained key for navigating the racetrack grounds, many opted for brightly coloured heels, embellished loafers, and even custom-designed boots. These footwear selections not only complemented the outfits but also served as conversation starters among fashion-savvy guests.

The overall effect was a dazzling display of creativity and confidence, with each accessory and colour choice contributing to the Derby’s reputation as a premier fashion event. For Australian fans watching from afar, the bold looks offered plenty of inspiration for their own race day wardrobes, proving that when it comes to Derby fashion, more is definitely more.

Fashion takes center stage at the Derby

At the 2025 Kentucky Derby, fashion didn’t just accompany the event—it became the main attraction. The grandstands of Churchill Downs transformed into a catwalk, where every glance was met with a new sartorial spectacle. Attendees, both celebrities and fashion-forward guests, treated the day as an opportunity to showcase their most daring and imaginative ensembles, turning the traditional horse race into a celebration of style and creativity.

Designers from around the globe, including several from Australia, were well represented, with custom pieces making their debut on the Derby green. Melbourne-based designer Toni Maticevski dressed several high-profile guests in sculptural silhouettes and unexpected fabric pairings, bringing a touch of Australian avant-garde to the American South. His use of asymmetry and metallic textures stood out among the sea of florals and pastels, offering a fresh take on Derby elegance.

Fashion houses leaned into the theatrical nature of the event, with many guests donning couture-level outfits that rivalled those seen at Paris Fashion Week. Layered tulle, exaggerated sleeves, and dramatic trains were all on display, blurring the lines between race day attire and red carpet glamour. The Derby’s fashion-forward attendees embraced the opportunity to experiment, with many pushing the envelope in terms of silhouette, texture, and styling.

Street style photographers and fashion influencers were out in full force, capturing every detail from embroidered gloves to hand-painted clutches. Social media buzzed with real-time updates, as fans from Sydney to Perth followed along, commenting on their favourite looks and drawing inspiration for their own upcoming events. The Derby’s fashion influence extended far beyond Kentucky, with Australian boutiques already reporting increased interest in bold millinery and statement dresses.

Fashion activations and pop-up lounges added to the immersive experience, with luxury brands hosting exclusive styling sessions and showcasing limited-edition accessories. These spaces became hubs for fashion enthusiasts to mingle, sip champagne, and admire each other’s outfits. The emphasis on fashion was so strong that, for many, the races themselves became a secondary attraction to the spectacle of style unfolding around them.

Ultimately, the 2025 Kentucky Derby reaffirmed its status as a global fashion destination. With its unique blend of tradition and trendsetting, the event offered a platform for both established designers and emerging talent to shine. For Australians watching from afar or attending in person, the Derby served as a reminder that fashion is not just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it, and the story you tell through your style.

Celebrity fashion highlights

Selma Blair turned heads in a custom emerald green gown by Christopher John Rogers, featuring a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline and a cinched waist that flattered her silhouette. She paired the look with satin gloves and a structured clutch, exuding vintage glamour with a modern twist. Her ensemble was a standout moment, effortlessly blending sophistication with Derby flair.

Nicole Kidman, always a red carpet favourite, embraced spring hues in a pastel pink two-piece set by Zimmermann, one of Australia’s most celebrated labels. The cropped jacket and high-waisted skirt combo was adorned with delicate floral embroidery, giving a nod to both femininity and the season’s botanical trends. She completed the look with nude heels and a soft rose fascinator.

Janelle Monáe brought bold energy to the track in a monochrome checkerboard suit by Thom Browne, layered over a crisp white blouse with exaggerated cuffs. Her look was both architectural and playful, a perfect example of how tailoring can be reimagined for high-fashion events. A pop of red lipstick and patent leather boots added edge to the ensemble.

Australian model Adut Akech stunned in a sculptural cobalt blue gown by Balmain, featuring asymmetrical draping and a thigh-high slit. The bold colour choice and sleek silhouette made her one of the most photographed guests of the day. She accessorised with minimalist silver jewellery and a sleek updo, letting the dress speak volumes.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby proved once again that it’s not just about the horses—it’s a runway in its own right, where celebrities bring their A-game and set the tone for seasonal fashion trends.

Statement hats steal the show

Millinery took centre stage at this year’s Derby, with statement hats and fascinators transforming Churchill Downs into a veritable catwalk of headwear artistry. From oversized brims to sculptural silhouettes, the headpieces were as much a part of the fashion narrative as the garments themselves.

Selma Blair’s look was elevated by a dramatic wide-brimmed hat in matching emerald green, designed by British milliner Philip Treacy. The hat featured a sweeping curve and delicate feather detailing, echoing the vintage elegance of her gown while adding a theatrical flourish that turned heads from every angle.

Nicole Kidman opted for a more delicate approach, donning a rose-hued fascinator crafted by Sydney-based milliner Nerida Winter. The piece, adorned with silk petals and fine netting, was perched at a soft angle, perfectly complementing her Zimmermann ensemble and reinforcing her reputation for refined, feminine style.

Janelle Monáe’s headwear was a bold architectural piece in black and white, mirroring the checkerboard motif of her suit. Designed by New York’s Gigi Burris, the hat featured sharp lines and a structured bow, offering a modernist take on traditional Derby millinery. It was a daring choice that paid off, cementing her status as a fashion risk-taker.

Adut Akech embraced minimalism with a sleek, asymmetrical headband-style fascinator in silver, created by Melbourne’s own Viktoria Novak. The metallic sheen added a futuristic edge to her Balmain gown, proving that less can indeed be more when executed with precision and style.

“The Derby is where milliners shine,” said Novak. “It’s the one event where women can truly express themselves through headwear, and this year’s looks were nothing short of spectacular.”

From classic florals to avant-garde structures, the hats at the 2025 Kentucky Derby were more than accessories—they were the crowning glory of each ensemble, showcasing the artistry and innovation of millinery on a global stage.