The 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, was full of excitement, muddy tracks, and eye-catching fashion. While Sovereignty surprised everyone by winning the race, another name stole attention off the track—Gabriela Moura, a social media influencer, who went viral for wearing a controversial dress that sparked strong reactions online.
The Kentucky Derby: More Than Just a Race
Held on Saturday evening, the 2025 Kentucky Derby faced rainy weather, making the tracks muddy and the race conditions challenging. Despite the mess, the fashion was still in full swing, as the Derby is as much about style and glamour as it is about horses.
But while some attendees showed up in classic Southern fashion, one woman’s outfit quickly became the talk of social media.
Gabriela Moura’s Outfit Sparks Mixed Reactions
Influencer Gabriela Moura, who boasts nearly 3 million followers on social media, was seen at the event wearing a bold dress that led to a wave of both criticism and praise.
Some fans were quick to call the dress “classless” and “not appropriate for the Kentucky Derby.”
Others felt it didn’t match the usual elegant or traditional Derby style.
Social media comments included:
- “Classless,” one person wrote.
- “Not appropriate for the Kentucky Derby,” another added.
- “Not what you should wear,” a fan commented.
Despite the backlash, many supported Moura, praising her confidence and style. Several users highlighted that fashion is subjective and that the Derby’s dress code encourages people to “dress to impress.”
Who Is Gabriela Moura?
Gabriela Moura is a popular influencer and content creator, best known as the girlfriend of Josh Richards, co-host of the “BFFs” podcast alongside Brianna Chickenfry. Moura attended the Kentucky Derby with fellow influencer Alix Earle, another well-known figure in the online world.
She was spotted at both Friday’s Kentucky Oaks and Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, enjoying the events while dressed in bold fashion statements that caught the eye of media outlets and fans alike.
What Does the Kentucky Derby Say About Fashion?
According to the official Kentucky Derby website, style is a huge part of the Derby experience:
“The Kentucky Derby is an event unlike any other… From Derby hats to bourbon-inspired clothing lines, fashion in Louisville is a blend of Southern charm and urban edge.”
The site adds that there are no hard and fast rules for what people should wear, but encourages all guests to “dress to impress.” From bright florals to elegant classics, Derby week is the time to go all out in fashion.