Tara Lipinski on Her Custom Kentucky Derby Wardrobe: ‘This Year I’m Stepping Things Up’
Tara Lipinski and her fashionable sidekick Johnny Weir have already hit the Kentucky Derby (the stylish duo is covering this weekend’s festivities down in Louisville for NBC), and we have all the scoop on the Olympic figure skater’s debut outfit, plus her Saturday dress, both of which she had custom made by Project Runway designer Kate Pankoke!
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
“This is my second time to the Derby, and this year I wanted to step things up and take some chances with my looks,” Lipinski told PEOPLE. “I have always been a Project Runway fan and when the idea came up to collaborate with all-star Kate Pankoke in designing both my Friday and Saturday dresses I was beyond ecstatic.”
Surprisingly, the fashionable TV commentator has never had a dress designed for her, so she loved collaborating with the designer. “It was such a fun process. It took me back to my ice skating days — don’t worry, there are no sequins.”
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
Lipinski and Pankoke worked closely on every aspect of the two dresses, from inspiration boards to sketches.
“We wanted two completely different looks for each day,” Lipinski shared. “One of my favorite first steps was browsing the color chart to find colors that would work. For Friday, I wanted a ’60s inspired look, and we both felt yellow would be an on-trend color to use.”
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
As for her Saturday outfit, it’s inspired by a design Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina.
“I wanted the rest of the dress to remain simple and clean where the focus was all on the fit,” she explained. “We found a beautiful water color fabric and the moment we saw it we knew it was the one.”
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
Once the designs and fabrics were finalized, Lipinski met with Pankoke for measurements.
“I was traveling for the next couple weeks so it definitely took some planning to get these cross-country dresses done and ready to fit,” she said. “I could see the designs coming to life.”
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
And since no Derby look would be complete without some eye-catching, jaw-dropping head gear, Lipinski also designed a fascinator with Pankoke for the event! “I got the idea from a runway look,” she shared of the pink-and-yellow creation.
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
So how did Day one turn out? We’d say Lipinski is off to a very fashionable start. Her low-cut yellow mini played up her blonde waves and she coordinated her pink pout perfectly with her fascinator. See the colorful look below.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty
For her part, Pankoke said she was “fan-girling so hard,” at the opportunity to design for the the Olympian.
“Tara is so sweet and supportive,” she added. “She really let me have creative freedom with both of the looks, which means so much to me as an artist. On a personal level, I have had so much fun getting to know her and working with her.”
So what should you be on the lookout for Saturday? Lipinkski plans to experiment with hair chalk so let’s home for some colorful tresses. (Also be Johnny Weir’s hat game is bound to be epic (we wonder how he’ll top last years!).
Courtesy Tara Lipinski
What do you think of Lipinski’s Kentucky Derby outfits? Sound off below.
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–Brittany Talarico
G.T.B Kartel, an acronym for Get To The Bread Kartel, isn’t just a name—it’s a mission statement. In the lineage of great hip-hop collectives like Wu-Tang Clan and Outkast, G.T.B Kartel reminds us that hip-hop is a space where brotherhood thrives and where the sum truly is greater than its parts. In a world that often glorifies solo success, G.T.B Kartel stands out by putting their bond and their music front and center.
Their single “Lil Baby“ is a masterclass in contemporary hip-hop craftsmanship. From the very first whistle, the track grabs your attention and refuses to let go. The production is sharp, each beat and snare meticulously placed to create a rhythm that’s not only addictive but also innovative. The bars are confident, delivered with the kind of swagger that can only come from artists at the peak of their creative powers.
But “Lil Baby” is more than just a catchy tune—it’s the entrance to G.T.B Kartel’s universe, a realm where each note and lyric is carefully considered to create an experience that doesn’t just resonate, but also inspires. It’s a world where the beat doesn’t fade when the song ends; it echoes, lingering in the air like the promise of more to come.
As we look ahead to the future of hip-hop, it’s clear that G.T.B Kartel is not only part of the conversation but also driving it forward. They don’t just fit into the genre; they’re busy carving out their own space within it. “Lil Baby” is your invitation to join them on this journey—a journey where getting to the bread is about more than financial gain; it’s about crafting a legacy that will feed the soul of hip-hop for generations to come.
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Florida rapper Lord Maji teams up with On-N-Off Strapz for his latest visual titled “Space X”
Emerging artist Goladen Chyld is set to go global with his new album, War Cry.
The new star spreads peace, love, and unity with informative lyrics, crafty rhymes, summoning productions, and vibrant song structure. The debut album encapsulates the illustrious history of Chicago Hip-Hop, which is drenched in the windy city’s historic activism and unity.
The album, its anthems, message, and authenticity are the perfect starting points for newfound fans of the rising star. Tracks like “Righteous Stepper,” “Savior,” and “Gifted” showcase the artist’s progressive music that advocates for equality. War Cry peaked at #3 on Apple Music and cemented Goalden Chyld’s movement.
“I don’t believe you can listen to this album and not feel some sense of purpose and duty to your community,” he told The Final Call.
He added: “I haven’t received a single negative review. The response has been overwhelmingly positive across all age groups. I’ve received messages from nonprofits showing children engaging with the music, which shows its impact. It’s amazing to see a project resonate so deeply across different segments of our community, reinforcing the need for unity and positive change.”
Chyld, real name Qadir Hakim, was raised by a single mother on the rough side of Chicago. His musical abilities transcend barriers for a wider audience with the storytelling of struggles and progress. His resume is filled with endorsements from big names in hip-hop, ranging from Shaquille O’Neal to Lil Baby to Funk Flex.
War Cry quickly gained popularity on streaming platforms and social media, becoming a highly discussed new artist of 2024. The album arrives at the perfect time, especially considering the current social climate.
Goalden Chyld supports the new album with a series of album release events, including an upcoming unity concert in Chicago on May 25 and a five-borough community tour event at SOBs in New York City on May 30.
Stream the new album here and, afterward, follow the rising star on social media for more updates.
https://open.spotify.com/album/41xEGNjMZH6QOYrzUlreKk
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