The Kentucky Derby usually brings to mind seersucker suits, mint juleps, and hats the size of satellite dishes. It’s "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," right? But in 2025, the biggest headline didn’t come from a photo finish on the dirt track at Churchill Downs. It came from a dress. Specifically, the outfit worn by Brazilian TikTok star Gabriela "Gabi" Moura at Kentucky Derby festivities.
Social media went absolutely nuclear.
If you weren't scrolling through TikTok or Instagram during the first weekend of May, you might have missed the firestorm. Gabi Moura, who boasts over 11 million followers on TikTok, attended the 151st Kentucky Derby alongside her boyfriend, Josh Richards. She wasn't just there for a casual stroll; she was part of the high-profile influencer contingent that now dominates the Millionaires’ Row vibe. Alongside stars like Alix Earle and Livvy Dunne, Gabi was basically the "it girl" of the weekend.
Then came the "dress code police."
The Controversy Behind Gabriela Moura at Kentucky Derby
The drama started almost the second Gabi posted her "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) video. She chose a black, low-cut dress for the event—a look that many traditionalists felt "cheapened" the prestige of Churchill Downs. People were ruthless. Comments flooded in calling the look "inappropriate," "vulgar," and "not KD standard."
Honestly, it felt a bit like a time warp back to the 1950s.
Gabi didn't just sit there and take the heat, though. She hit back with a second video that basically served as a masterclass in defending your own body. Her argument was simple: she has a larger bust, and no matter what she wears, it's going to be visible. "Big boob girls are going to understand what I'm saying," she told her followers. She pointed out that if she wore a turtleneck in the Kentucky heat, people would still find something to complain about.
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It’s a classic case of the "influencer vs. tradition" clash that’s currently reshaping every major American sporting event.
Why the 151st Derby Felt Different
The 2025 race saw Sovereignty edge out Journalism for the win, but for the Gen Z audience, the real action was in the suites. The presence of Gabriela Moura at Kentucky Derby events signaled a massive shift in how the event is marketed. We’re moving away from the era of old-money socialites and toward the era of digital clout.
- The Double Date: Gabi and Josh Richards spent the weekend with Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios.
- The Support System: Despite the online hate, fellow influencers like Livvy Dunne jumped into the comments to defend Gabi’s style.
- The Visibility: When a creator with 11 million followers shows up, the Derby reaches an audience that wouldn't know a trifecta from a tractor.
Critics argued that the "class" of the event was at stake. Local Louisvillians chimed in, claiming the dress was "too revealing" for a place that prides itself on Southern elegance. But let’s be real for a second. The Derby has always been about peacocking. Whether it’s a three-foot-wide hat or a plunging neckline, people go to Churchill Downs to be seen. Gabi was just seen by more people than most.
Is There a Real Dress Code at Churchill Downs?
People love to throw around the phrase "dress code" when they see something they don't like. But if you look at the actual rules for the Kentucky Derby, they're surprisingly flexible depending on where you're sitting.
In the General Admission areas? Anything goes. You’ll see people in denim, sundresses, and even costumes.
In the Reserved Seating and premium areas—like the Turf Club or the Mansion—the rules get stricter. We're talking "track casual" or "smart casual." This usually means no torn jeans, no athletic wear, and no halter tops. Gabi’s dress, while low-cut, technically fit the bill of "dressy" attire. It wasn't sweatpants. It wasn't a bikini. It was a formal black gown paired with a massive, traditional Derby hat.
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The "controversy" was more about the vibe than the rulebook.
Traditionalists see the Derby as a bastion of conservative Southern style. Influencers see it as a backdrop for content. When those two worlds collide, you get a 48-hour news cycle about cleavage.
Beyond the Dress: What Else Happened?
While the internet was busy debating hemlines, some actual horse racing happened. Sovereignty’s victory was a big deal for bettors. The track was a "rain-soaked mess," which usually favors certain types of mud-loving horses. But the weather didn't stop the fashion parade.
Gabi mentioned in her defense that she wasn't going to get surgery just to fit into a specific dress standard. "I'm not doing a surgery," she said bluntly. It was a refreshing moment of honesty in an industry—influencer marketing—that often prizes perfection over reality. She basically told the world that her body isn't a fashion accessory she can "turn off" for a weekend in Kentucky.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Big Event
If you're planning on heading to Churchill Downs—or any event with a "traditional" reputation—take a page out of the Gabriela Moura at Kentucky Derby saga.
1. Know your zone. If you have tickets for the infield, wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind getting a little beer on. If you're in the grandstands, level up.
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2. Own the look. The biggest takeaway from Gabi’s weekend wasn't the dress itself, but her confidence. If you're going to push the boundaries of a "traditional" dress code, be prepared for the comments.
3. Wear the hat. No matter how modern your outfit is, a hat is the "get out of jail free" card at the Derby. It’s the one piece of gear that bridges the gap between the 1920s and the 2020s. Gabi’s hat was objectively great, which arguably kept her within the "Derby Spirit" even if her dress was polarizing.
4. Check the weather. Louisville in May is unpredictable. Gabi’s point about not wearing a "long sleeve turtleneck" in the heat is valid. Practicality often has to trump tradition when the humidity hits 80 percent.
The presence of stars like Gabriela Moura at Kentucky Derby 151 proves the event is changing. It's no longer just for the horse racing elite. It’s a stage for the biggest creators on the planet. Whether you love the new influencer-heavy atmosphere or hate it, one thing is certain: people are talking about the Derby more than ever.
If you're looking to attend next year, start planning your outfit now. Just maybe check the TikTok comments first to see what the "dress code police" are currently patrolling. Or, better yet, do what Gabi did—wear what makes you feel good and let the internet talk.
To prepare for your own trip to the Downs, look into the specific requirements for the section on your ticket. General admission is a free-for-all, but the Clubhouse requires "Smart Casual," which means jackets for men and dresses or pantsuits for women. Avoid the "inappropriate" labels by balancing bold pieces with traditional accessories like fascinators or classic jewelry. Most importantly, remember that the Derby is a long day; comfort in your footwear will matter more by race 12 than any social media trend.