Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest

May  6th  2:00-3:00pm

Fashion is a key element of Kentucky Oaks Day, in which all women in attendance are encouraged to model their finest elegant attire. The Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest will be judged by prominent style experts and influencers, including Ashley Williams (style editor at Southern Living), Jeffrey Tousey (social media editor at Vanity Fair) and fashionista Grace Wainright (fashion blog A Southern Drawl).

 

Ladies are invited to walk the “pink carpet” during the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest located on the official Kentucky Derby Red Carpet at Churchill Downs for a chance to win a stainless-steel watch from the Longines DolceVita Collection with 46 diamonds. Longines Master Collection watches are also presented to the winning horses’ owner, trainer and jockey on Longines Kentucky Oaks Day and Kentucky Derby Day. To commemorate the historic 2015 Triple Crown series, Longines created a special-edition Conquest Classic timepiece limited to 160 pieces and features a brown leather strap and brown dial designed to match American Pharoah’s actual coat color.

 

The celebrity panel will judge participants on how well the color pink is incorporated into their elegant Derby ensembles. Continuing the tradition of a “Ladies First” theme, Longines Kentucky Oaks invites all attendees to wear the color pink to show their support for cancer survivors across the globe.

                         

WHAT:          Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest on Oaks Day 

WHEN:          Friday, May 6^th, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.                               

WHERE:        Official Kentucky Derby Red Carpet at Gate 10 (PINK Carpet for the day!)

 The winning watch is the LONGINES DOLCEVITA STAINLESS STEEL with 18K GOLD DETAILING

Today, Longines introduces new variations using gold and steel that remain decidedly feminine and glamorous. The solid rose gold crown and the touch of pink on the dial harmoniously match the rose gold and steel watch band. With their new finery, these models will thrill women who delight in wearing an accessory that reflects their image for a joyful and colorful picnic near the race track.

 

 

 

 

Last year, a Californian took home the 46 Diamond DolceVita Longines timepiece in a gorgeous Self-Portrait dress.

Shannon from San Francisco came to the Kentucky Oaks without expectation of winning the Fashion Contest. She walked the Pink Carpet along with her friend and the judges selected her for the Top 10 Finalists.

Shannon decided to wear a hat from ShowPony Hats in San Francisco and stayed on trend in a pink Self Portrait Dress.

“I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone else wearing this dress,” said Shannon when we spoke about the fashion lines popularity.

Self Portrait dresses have been cleaning up the racing fashion contests around the world including the Fashions on the Field Contests in Australia. Shannon’s Azaelea lace midi dress was a perfect pick for the Longines Kentucky Oaks with its light pink color and midi length. She kept her accessories simple by letting the hat and the dress do the talking. Her confident smile didn’t hurt either!

The first DolceVita of the Triple Crown has been awarded on the Kentucky Oaks Most Elegant Woman. We now switch gears and head to the party race of the Triple Crown, the Preakness. Stay on Trend by choosing bright colors, and prints. “Put that Preakness Party into your fashion!.”-Bri Mott, Fashion at the Races

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bri Mott’s Tips:

1. You MUST wear pink. If you were thinking of entering the contest in a blue outfit, feel free but this isn’t what the judges are looking for in the winner. Support the cause and the ladies day and incorporate pink into your outfit.
2. ‘Elegance is an Attitude’ – judges will be looking for a well-dressed lady. Make sure your outfit is modest and isn’t revealing.
3. Bigger is not always better. Although the Kentucky Oaks is within the Kentucky Derby celebrations, you can save your big Derby Hat for Saturday.
4. SMILE. I cannot stress this one enough! Not only will the camera’s be flashing but the judges need to feel your confidence and excitement to be a part of the event.
5. All pieces matter. From your hat, to your make up, all the way down to your shoes. This is a fashion contest. Make sure each piece ties in and brings your outfit to the next level. (I’m sure you’ve heard this but it is not true. Nude shoes DO NOT go with everything).

***Make sure to be on time or even a little early. We do cap the contestants at 200 and the past two years we have been right at the maximum.