Commemorating its 180th anniversary, Swiss watchmaker Longines, and the 138-year-old Kentucky Derby joined forces to celebrate their iconic history and rich tradition. Longines was the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the 138th annual Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Chronograph watches from the new Longines Saint-Imier Collection, named after the company's birthplace, were ceremoniously awarded to I'll Have Another's winning owner J. Paul Reddam, trainer Doug O'Neill, and jockey Mario Gutierrez.
Longines was represented by longtime brand ambassadors and tennis legends Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf throughout the course of the Kentucky Derby.
"Equestrian sports are Longines' passion, so we are delighted to be, for the second year, the Official Timekeeper of America's greatest and most traditional horse race," said Longines President Walter Von Kanel. "This partnership truly represents a perfect match with the brand's image and philosophy stated in its slogan: Elegance is an attitude."
In keeping with their elegant attitude Longines asked local fashionistas to walk the pink carpet as the brand presented the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest during Kentucky Oaks Day on Friday, May 4th. Women in attendance at Churchill Downs entered the contest for the chance to win a newly launched Longines Saint-Imier watch in stainless steel and rose gold with diamonds, along with an all-expense-paid VIP trip to New York City for Fall Fashion Week.
Judging the festivities on the watch-inspired runway was a group of stylish celebrities including tennis legend Stefanie Graf, celebrity fashion stylist Jeannie Mai and "E! News" correspondent Catt Sadler. The judges chose the winner based on which contestant best incorporated the Kentucky Derby's elegant style into their fashion-forward attire. With Kentucky Oaks Day being rooted in philanthropy, Churchill Downs donated $1 to the breast cancer charity Stand Up To Cancer for every person in attendance. To further celebrate the cause, women were encouraged to proudly incorporate the color pink into their Kentucky Oaks ensembles.
