The March 22 New York-style fashion show at Churchill Downs continues to add exciting elements for ticket holders. Dillard’s and Producer Chris Caswell have contracted Fleur De Lis Events & Design to transform Millionaire’s Row into a glamorous “Old Hollywood” delight by incorporating large crystal centerpieces, LED lights, and, of course, a multitude of roses at every turn.
The event's emcee is Claudia Coffey. Coffey is an Emmy Award winning American broadcast journalist. She is the co-anchor of WHAS11's News At 4 in Louisville. Coffey also writes the popular Coffey Talk blog on whas11.com, which is known for showcasing charitable events and causes around Louisville.
Popular Louisville singer/ songwriter Kevin Cummings will create live music for the Heyman Talent models with even a few expected dance breaks for the audience in between fashion stories. The audience will feel like part of the action with a T-shaped runway giving everyone a close view of each look, as well as a live video feed of the back stage action running throughout the night. “I wanted to bring to Louisville a new runway experience. This will be a true New York-style runway show with some added interactive elements to make the guests feel actively engaged in the show”, explained Caswell. “Fashion is about clothes, but it’s also about an energy that will be felt during Runway for the Roses.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m., and the high-energy show will begin at 8 p.m., with “Win”, “Place”, and “Show” ticket options available from $40 - $100. All ticket levels will receive 2 drink tickets for a Pama signature cocktail sponsored by Heaven Hill and a swag bag full of goodies from Blades, Dillard’s, Heaven Hill and a multitude of additional sponsors. One lucky guest will win a derby ensemble valued at over $1000. Clothing, hat, and accessory boutiques will be open before and after the show so guests can shop the looks right away and internationally celebrated hat design Gabrielle Amar of Frank Olive Hats will be a special guest.
Curious locals are invited to get a free preview of what the night has in store by attending a rehearsal on March 17th in the Dillard’s lobby of Mall St. Matthews from 1-3. While the rehearsal will be no substitute for the live-action show at Churchill Downs, it will give onlookers an opportunity to get a feel for this season’s Derby season looks from Dillard’s.
Runway for the Roses will benefit The Junior League of Louisville. Tickets can be purchased at Dillard’s (5000 Shelbyville Rd) or through Junior League at juniorleagueoflousville.org. Ticket prices range from “Win” - $100, “Place” - $75, and “Show” - $40.
"Founded in 1921, the Junior League of Louisville is part of The Association of Junior Leagues International, which is made up of 292 Junior Leagues in four countries. The Association of Junior Leagues International has more than 160,000 members. The Junior League of Louisville (JLL) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. JLL reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who have an interest in and commitment to voluntarism."
