Written By: Lily Rothman, Liz Ronk, Taylor Gilkison
The thoroughbreds that take to the track at any race are supposed to be the stars of the show. And, sure, technically, they are. But they always have some competition for spectators’ attentions: the elaborate hats.
From silly to frilly, the race-day hat has become a mainstay (and, to some, a good-luck charm). But, while today’s hats can get a bit outrageous, the tradition of hats at the races is longstanding. In 1945, LIFE photographer Nina Leen chronicled some of that year’s best hats—designer hats introduced to the public by models at a race. The images in this accompanying gallery never ran in LIFE.
A few clues can be found in the photos about the races: a woman holds a program on which a few horses’ names appear: SAFETY EDGE, WAVERLY, BLUE SWEEP and some of the features of the track, like the letters U and L on a balcony, are clear. Scroll through the gallery below to see the most high fashion hats from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Fashion for the Races 1945
Nina Leen The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock
