With the Kentucky Derby happening this weekend, Drew Evans, founder of the streetwear brand Homme+Femme, has once again teamed up with Churchill Downs—the home of the Kentucky Derby. Homme+Femme has created an influential collection that includes signature varsity jackets, traditional workout blazer cardigans, crewneck sweatshirts, tees, and hats.
Homme+Femme is a streetwear brand doing its part to share not just any story, but the story of African American culture’s victories in the U.S. when it comes to the country’s oldest sporting traditions. Too often, these achievements are forgotten and rarely celebrated in modern America.
The Homme+Femme x Churchill Downs collection is a deeply rooted homage to the legacy of the Kentucky Derby and its prestigious history. This collaboration educates and illuminates the contributions of African Americans and their winning history as horsemen at Churchill Downs. In fact, 15 of the first 28 Kentucky Derbies were won by black jockeys.
The Kentucky Derby collaboration debuted May 1 and is available to shop at Churchill Downs and through HommeFemme.com. Pricing ranges from $65 to $600.
This year’s collection is focused on imbuing the prep school style of Southern culture that fans of the Kentucky Derby can appreciate. As a black-owned brand, Homme+Femme also worked diversity and inclusivity into this wonderful line of clothes and accessories. Most importantly, few brands are chosen to participate, so it’s considered an honor and privilege for Evans and his streetwear brand to be collaborating on a project for this derby for a second time.
Images courtesy of Michele Marie PR
“Being able to share our unknown African American history that our community may not have known about through expression and creativity means the world to me,” Evans said. “So much history from the past goes forgotten and we are still impacting the Derby to this day. Our collaboration brings pride to our heritage, promotes winning, excellence and pushes Homme+Femme further in the prestigious luxury market that we are building towards.”
Unfortunately, we often see some elements in society stoking the flames of hate, instead of leading with love and choosing unity over division. The Homme+Femme x Churchill Downs partnership aims to separate itself from other streetwear collaborations by bringing to light the idea of coming together and breaking down cultural barriers. By intersecting eye-popping pieces with a historic American sport, the brand has succeeded in paying homage not just to the Kentucky Derby, but to Churchill Down’s African American horsemen.
—Ryan Salfino
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