At the 2025 Kentucky Derby—an event known for its pageantry, fashion, and historical prestige—one appearance managed to generate a considerable buzz across both traditional media and social platforms. Simone Biles, the internationally celebrated gymnast who has redefined excellence in athletics over the past decade, turned heads not only for her global stature but for her bold and distinctive fashion statement. Accompanied by her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, the duo presented a united and striking look that immediately captured the attention of photographers, style critics, and fans alike.
Draped in hues of soft lilac that nodded to spring elegance while making a definitive fashion-forward statement, Biles wore a strapless minidress adorned with delicate purple rhinestones that shimmered under the bright Kentucky sunlight. Her outfit was topped off with a chic fascinator—a traditional accessory for the Derby that she made entirely her own—and complemented with silver high-heeled shoes that added a touch of glitz to the ensemble. Owens matched her energy with equal finesse, donning a tailored lilac blazer and a coordinating cap studded with rhinestones, creating a modern twist on the classic couple look.
Their appearance was not simply a fashion moment—it was a cultural moment. As the couple walked the red carpet and mingled with fellow Derby attendees, cameras flashed and social feeds lit up. While many praised the couple’s coordinated look, their shared confidence, and their sartorial creativity, some online voices offered more conservative opinions, particularly focusing on the length of Biles’ dress. Yet, amid the varied responses, the overarching sentiment recognized Biles’ look as bold, empowering, and emblematic of a new era in public appearances by athletes.
A New Narrative in Derby Fashion
The Kentucky Derby has long been synonymous with style. For over a century, the event has blended horse racing with haute couture, turning Churchill Downs into a seasonal runway. While hats and dresses are often subject to tradition, fashion at the Derby has continually evolved to reflect changing social norms, artistic expression, and modern identity.
In this context, Biles’ choice of attire—while shorter than what some may consider traditional for the Derby—stood as a clear representation of contemporary fashion sensibilities. Today’s fashion landscape increasingly champions authenticity and self-expression, especially among younger generations who look to figures like Biles as role models not just in sport, but in life.
Her dress, designed to sparkle and flatter while remaining structurally elegant, defied outdated expectations. It embraced the spirit of the Derby—vibrant, expressive, luxurious—while also reflecting the confidence and self-assurance that has come to define her off the mat.
Confidence and Criticism: The Modern Double Standard
Simone Biles is no stranger to public scrutiny. As a Black female athlete who has achieved historic feats, she has often had to navigate a complex interplay of admiration, expectation, and at times, unfair critique. Her choice to wear a short, rhinestone-accented dress to a high-profile event sparked familiar discussions that echo deeper cultural undercurrents.
Online commentary was split. Admirers described her look as “classy,” “dazzling,” and “fearless,” highlighting how she continues to redefine public femininity on her own terms. Others criticized the dress for not aligning with the supposed decorum of the event. However, many commentators came to her defense, pointing out that male celebrities frequently dress casually or flamboyantly without incurring similar backlash.
Fashion analysts and social observers have noted that Biles’ Derby appearance once again underscores the ongoing dialogue around autonomy, self-representation, and the evolving boundaries of traditional event attire. By choosing a form-fitting, glamorous look with sparkle and color, she reaffirmed her personal style and resisted the unwritten codes that often pressure women—particularly women of color—to conform to dated expectations in formal settings.
A Day of Tradition, Celebration, and Influence
Beyond her show-stopping fashion moment, Biles played an official role in the day’s festivities, further reinforcing her position as a celebrated American icon. As part of the Derby’s longstanding customs, Biles had the honor of delivering the prestigious “Riders Up” call—a moment of ceremony in which a selected guest commands the jockeys to mount their horses before the start of the race.
This symbolic responsibility is typically bestowed upon figures of significant cultural relevance or accomplishment. By asking Biles to take on the role, Derby organizers acknowledged not only her athletic achievements, but also her growing stature as a symbol of perseverance, empowerment, and grace under pressure.
This role was more than ceremonial—it was another platform from which Biles bridged the worlds of tradition and progress. Her voice, firm and confident as she called “Riders Up,” resonated not just within the confines of Churchill Downs but across millions of television and online viewers. The moment served as a powerful reminder of how figures from the world of sport continue to shape national culture in ways that go far beyond competition.
Recognition and Global Impact
The 2025 Kentucky Derby appearance also came on the heels of another major accolade for Biles. She was recently named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year, an honor that reflects her far-reaching impact across multiple spheres. From athleticism to mental health advocacy, from fashion to philanthropy, Biles has become a multidimensional figure—someone who inspires conversations, challenges norms, and embodies resilience.
Her selection by TIME further validates her role as more than an elite gymnast. In recent years, Biles has become an advocate for mental wellness in sports, speaking candidly about the pressures faced by athletes and the importance of prioritizing mental health—a conversation that has changed how sports organizations, media, and fans view performance and well-being.
Her presence at the Derby, an event associated with both high fashion and historical significance, cemented her crossover appeal and status as an American icon. She continues to represent a generation that embraces complexity, individuality, and strength—not only on the competition floor but in the everyday choices that shape public perception.
A Love Story in the Spotlight
Jonathan Owens, Biles’ husband and a professional football player himself, also played an important role in the narrative of the day. As the two arrived together, their chemistry and unified look were impossible to ignore. In an age when celebrity couples often serve as joint brands or cultural symbols, Biles and Owens project a refreshing authenticity.
Their mutual support—demonstrated on social media, during public appearances, and in interviews—has been widely appreciated by fans. The fact that they attended the Derby in matching tones, coordinated down to the finer details like rhinestone embellishments, spoke volumes about their shared approach to life and fashion. Their appearance symbolized unity, mutual admiration, and shared confidence.
In a world increasingly fascinated by celebrity couples, theirs stands out for its grounding in mutual respect and joy, rather than spectacle.
A Legacy of Elegance and Evolution
The Kentucky Derby remains one of the most celebrated sporting events in the United States. With a legacy spanning nearly 150 years, it combines Southern tradition, elite equestrian sport, and high-society pageantry in a single, glamorous afternoon. Every year, it attracts a mix of dignitaries, athletes, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts.
Simone Biles’ presence at the 2025 Derby added to that evolving legacy. Her outfit may have drawn polarized opinions, but her presence itself was undeniable: poised, radiant, and commanding. She represented a vision of the modern woman—unafraid to express herself, willing to challenge convention, and deeply aware of her influence.
Rather than diminishing the event’s prestige, her participation highlighted how timeless traditions can coexist with modern values. The Kentucky Derby remains a celebration of elegance, but it is also increasingly a space for celebrating boldness, diversity, and individuality. Simone Biles’ appearance, fashion, and role in the ceremony made this truth clearer than ever.
As the sun set on Churchill Downs and the festivities came to a close, the photos, videos, and memories lingered online. For fans of fashion, sport, or cultural history, Biles’ Derby moment will not soon be forgotten.
