Good morning, Friday. Thanking the powers that be for this day. I mean- it's like heaven out there. What a way to start the weekend. Yay.
And speaking of this weekend, y'all know it's Derby weekend. As a woman who has always had a weakness for the South, I LOVE this event. Plus, I'm married to a Kentucky man and every year, we find our way to a racetrack or Derby party somewhere- and even better- you can finally get a good mint julep up East- thanks, artisanal cocktail culture. Thanks very much.
And though I have NEVER been to a Derby (Oh husband, that's a hint. A very, very strong hint), I adore watching it, love the stories, love the tradition, and of course, the style. Every year I post about fabulous hats for females but this year, I'm going to give it up to the gentlemen of Derby Day. Because Lord bless them, they look AMAZING. Preppy much? It's adorable.
I admit it- when it comes to the males, I like jeans and a tee shirt. I've always been that way. But a guy that can embrace traditional suiting with an eccentric color/pattern/vibe could very well get my attention. To me, the poster child for doing Derby well is not an American. It's the second time this week that an Italian gets my vote for channeling a classic American icon like the Derby- and Lapo Elkann is mi umo. Lapo is heir to the vast Fiat fortune, and to me, he is the ultimate dandy- I adore how he goes for it, but always with essentially impeccable tailoring. It's just that good. Can't touch this. He's amazing. I give him two juleps up.
Also I have to shout out Ignacio Quiles, who is an American and a New Yorker and a man of true style.
I had the great fortune of working with him on a men's pop up shop and needless to say, the man is elegant to a fault and understands how to dress with an attention to detail, fit, and flair that rivals Lapo. I give him two juleps up, too. With extra bourbon because he's amazing. He's also hosting a Derby party at Hotel Chantelle on the LES tomorrow, which I may very well find myself at post time if I motivate. Here's some more men that are Derby worthy as the horses make their way to the track:
Hopper. Big pimpin'. Love.
Connery. Perfection.
The boys of Mad Men, Don in particular. You know he'd drink some bourbon and get down like that.
Oh, and you thought I forgot the secret sauce did you? No way. Look at these boys in those hats, and that vintage ad says it all. Go straw or go home. That's what I say. And for those of you feeling Derby Challenged, please consult that handy guide at the top of this post, but all you really need to do is clean up nice and go for something genteel. It's got everything you need for a great day at the races. Ooh, and before I forget, my pick for whose style I'd most love to see at the Derby? My boo, Pharrell. Nobody rocks a hat like him, and this short suit he wore during Awards season could very well be made into seersucker and worn with some suede bucks or some fabulous loafer or brogue. Or, he could make like this guy and wear pink. He so could rock a pink suit. To me, Pharrell's genius is in his effortless American cool- I hope he goes to a Derby sometime- especially if I ever get to go.
And as "My Old Kentucky Home" begins to play and they start running for those roses, I'll be watching from somewhere in New York, enjoying a julep and hopefully admiring some great style. I do so love that. Cause that's what's up this and they're off kind of Friday in the handsome and stylish 212. Yours, in great men of style and Southern (and non Southern) gentlemen. Next year, at Churchill Downs. XO