Shake, dazzle and pizzazz. Dillard’s Kentucky Derby Festival Spring Fashion Show, held Thursday at Caesars Southern Indiana, began with a few moments of black-and-white video projected on a big screen when suddenly the runway suddenly exploded into vivid Technicolor.
“I’m calling this year’s top fashion trend ‘Amazing Technicor,’ and it feels like everything in fashion has come alive again,” said Christine Fellingham, chief branding and innovation officer for Today’s Woman Media, which once again shaped and produced the fashion extravaganza. “The colors for spring 2023 are super vibrant, with two of the key colors being viva magenta and electrified chartreuse, which is a very bright lime green.”
Professional models walked the runway at the annual sold-out event featuring clothing and accessories from Dillard’s and local boutiques including Your Amazing Boutique, Lulubelles, Magnolia & Fig, Mamili, Peplum Boutique, Sapphire on Spring Boutique and That Cute Little Shop.
Of course, in this part of the country, spring fashion also means Kentucky Derby fashion, and once again this year, the official Kentucky Derby Festival fashionistas, Rachel Bell and Kate Smith, aka The Hat Girls, have provided loads of handmade hats and charms in every color and size imaginable.
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To help you keep track of what’s coming for spring 2023 fashion, here are the top trends we saw on the runway at Caesars Southern Indiana.
Vibrant, bold and neon colors took over the runway
The spring color palette includes rich, vibrant colors ranging from royal blue to chartreuse to magenta; there are also some fun, updated twists on 90s neon. We saw new ways to wear these colors in matching, clashing and tonal combinations.
The tropical “on vacation” vibe reigned supreme
Some of this season’s playful prints and cool shapes make you feel like you’re on an instant vacation. We saw a resort-inspired look that could work for many destinations.
Menswear is taking it up a notch for the 2023 Kentucky Derby
We all know that on Kentucky Derby Day, the guys put as much effort into their looks as the ladies. The fashion pulled from the Dillard’s men’s store included great Kentucky Derby suits and even some dapper evening looks for him. Don’t skimp on these premium accessories either, men!
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The ultra-feminine look and sweet flowers are here
This season’s ultra-feminine looks range from sophisticated suits and sheer fabrics to cute florals.
“After a long absence, gaucho pants are back,” Fellingham said. “Also, flared shorts with wider legs that are part of the suit will be popular this season.”
Mini, midi or maxi? Everything goes with a hem
A word about hems—they’re all over the place for spring Kentucky Derby fashion.
“Either much shorter, much longer, or midi,” Fellingham said. “There are so many long maxi dresses for both day and night. I would say it’s a very popular trend, but really, whatever your length is, it’s fashionable.”
Red carpet ready with sparkles and ruffles for a daytime look
Glitter, ruffles and big bows make for memorable dresses and evening looks that are ready for your next shoot. But why limit glamor to off-hours?
“Shiny and pearly fabrics for the day and sequins for the day is another big trend,” said the show’s producer. “Fabrics that you would traditionally only wear after 5pm now appear much earlier in the day. This is another example of what we saw last year, ‘there are no rules in fashion anymore.'”
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Contact Kirby Adams at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @kirbylouisville.