Derby Divas of the Pegasus World Cup

Classic American fashion is the hallmark of any derby, an event saturated with over the top feathered and frilled hats, pastel suits, and an all around debonair demeanor. The Pegasus World Cup, held January 23rd at the Gulfstream track in Hallandale, was different due to Covid restrictions but none the less still chic. While the event didn't have performers like Nelly and T--Pain, who performed last year, it had an added dash of flavor with the Pegasus Swan Garden. The pop up from the David Grutman hospitality empire included delicacies from his restaurants Komodo, Papi Steak, and Swan, and attracted celebrities like model Jasmine Sanders, the Grutmans, and Tyga.

The Pegasus World Cup is more than merely an exciting sporting experience. It is a chance to go back in time and bask in the days of old fashioned, high society glamour and extravagance for an afternoon.

Bestie Noelle Taddeo and I were belles of the derby, stepping out in our finest fascinators and dresses. Noelle went with a classic, one shouldered baby blue cocktail dress from Pretty Little Thing that skimmed her curves, complimented by a blush colored highly feminine fascinator, and low, side chignon to top it off.

Red lipstick, and an all white look, including a lace Nichole Lynel dress and white hat exuded Old Hollywood glamour, which was my goal. The best part of our looks is how affordable and convenient our fabulous fascinators were-both from Amazon, under $20, and easily attached via headband like Noelle's or via barette clip like mine.

When I first hit the scene, the above trio instantly caught my eye in their satin elegance, serving Real Housewives of Miami realness. Brittaney, on the left, stunned in an emerald House of CB balloon sleeved dress, champagne colored wide brimmed hat, J'Adior Slingback Pumps, and black classic Chanel bag. Prestige, featured in the front and center, went with the money green theme as well, in a Modafina Boutique ruched number, set off with a silver buckle, matching silver clutch, and matching green Amazon fascinator, and clear Simmi pumps. Last but certainly not least, Bria, on the right displayed lady-like sex appeal in a House of CB dress, and a white feather hat that took my breath away, along with a multi-colored Birkin. Bria supported small business by rocking an opulent feather hat from NJ Miller Millinery, found on Etsy along with other wickedly fabulous handmade headpieces.

It was no surprise that Tara Elizabeth, featured above, was a derby diva expert, given the fact that she's attended the races all her life. Tara Elizabeth was radiant in her white sleeveless blazer dress, with a classic straw hat topped with a matching white bow. Bronze Saint Laurent sandal heels gave the otherwise neutral colored outfit a major pop, adding to the luxe look.

The above duo reminded me of ladies of Royal Palace fashion, fit for an afternoon tea. Rosamary, on the left, sourced Megan Markle as her inspiration behind the look, with a white lace steal from Boohoo, black hat, classic black quilted Chanel bag, and staple pointy toe black pump. Cecilia, featured on the right, sported a floral high to low dress from Miami boutique Savvy & Sole Mate, along with nude bow pumps, white fascinator headband, and white Chanel bag.

Coral was the theme for this color coordinated couple, visiting from Atlanta. The sharp, salmon hued suit was a perfect fit for Pegasus,which Roscoe paired with the perfect classic fedora. Makeup artist Tavia compliments the suit well in her pretty in pink dress with draped sleeves for added flair and an ornate floral fascinator. The duo demonstrate the perfect way to match your significant other when stepping on the scene, and did so in true Southern style.

Between the high fashion and the high profile crowd, the Pegasus World Cup is always a highly anticipated event in the new year. Whether you have the opportunity to attend a horse racing event in person, or are participating in a derby themed party at one's home, bust out those hats and enjoy a mint julup cocktail to celebrate your own derby fun in whichever way you can.

Until next year Pegasus!

Sincerely,

A Derby Diva