By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Homme+Femme has launched its second licensing collaboration with Churchill Downs for an official Kentucky Derby merchandise collection.
Homme+Femme is a streetwear brand that takes inspiration from Black culture, 90s hip hop & rap, and pop-culture to create high-quality apparel and accessories.
The brand is using the new Kentucky Derby merchandise collection to honor the rich history of African-American horsemen at the Kentucky Derby sporting event.
“My experience at Churchill Downs and Louisville as a city in 2022 gave me so much inspiration that I was able to apply to this year’s collection,” said Homme+Femme founder, Drew Evans. “I am beyond excited to continue to tell the story of the African American horseman and the African American community’s impact on the Derby through the clothing we have created.”
The new collection includes Homme+Femme’s signature varsity jackets, blazer cardigans, crewneck sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats. The co-branded merchandise features the classic southern prep style of the Kentucky Derby combined with Homme+Femme’s streetwear influences.
“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,” said Evans. “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,” Evans added.
Fifteen of the first 28 Kentucky Derby racing events were won by Black horse jockeys. As a Black-owned brand, Homme+Femme is pulling inspiration from this history to create a collection that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness.
“Collaborating with Churchill Downs means a lot to me and the brand is one of the most prestigious and historic sporting institutes within the world,” said Evans. “It’s a world of its own on that first Friday and Saturday of May at Churchill Downs. Only a few chosen brands are able to participate and for them to work with us and give us an opportunity for the second time continues to put confidence into me and my team.”
Founded in 1875, the Kentucky Derby horse racing event takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The one and a quarter mile race is the longest-running, continually-held sporting event in North America , and is the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series.
This year’s Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on May 6, 2023.
The licensed Kentucky Derby is currently available for purchase at Churchill Downs and through Homme+Femme’s e-commerce website.