[Herald Economy=Reporter Jo Yong-jik] Asia is about to get its first horse-racing fashion festival inspired by Britain’s Royal Ascot, Australia’s Melbourne Cup and the U.S. Kentucky Derby.The Korea Racing Authority (Chair Woo Hee-jong) will debut the country’s first interactive culture event that mixes racing and style — the Korean Derby Style Festa — at Seoul Race Park on May 3, timed with the prestigious domestic G1 race, the Korean Derby.
Pairing horse racing with fashion is a long-standing tradition in leading racing nations. Royal Ascot, attended by the royal family, has a 300-year history as a fashion-forward racing festival. Australia’s Melbourne Cup Carnival “Fashions on the Field” draws more than 3,000 contestants every year and has become synonymous with sartorial spectacle.
The Kentucky Derby is also famous for dazzling hats, bold color, and celebrity presence. The Korean Derby Style Festa aims to pioneer that same energetic fashion culture across Asia, including Japan and Hong Kong.
The official dress code for the Style Festa is “Green.” Think pastures, ranches and turf — green is the Korean Derby’s theme color and stands for nature, the environment and life. Participants can finish their look with any green piece: a jacket, dress, scarf or hat. You don’t have to dress head-to-toe green — a single accessory is enough to join the fun.
The headline event is the “Style Awards.” Snap a photo that captures your personal look — include the official Korean Derby badge or items — with Seoul Race Park as your backdrop. Then tag @koreanderby on Instagram and upload with the hashtag #StyleFesta by 2 p.m. that day. Official photographers will be on site to help with shots.
Prizes will be awarded to one first-place winner (3,000,000 KRW — approximately $2,250), one second-place winner (500,000 KRW — approximately $375), two third-place winners (500,000 KRW each — approximately $375 each), and 10 special-award winners. A judging panel of organizers, brand partners and influencers will pick the winners. Awards will be presented on the podium before the Korean Derby race, and winners will also take part in the bouquet presentation during the race ceremony.
There’s an event for racegoers, too. The first 500 electronic-ticket holders who arrive at the race park wearing an outfit that includes a green item will receive Boeing sunglasses sponsored by Woosung C-Tech Co., Ltd.
