Big hats, bright dresses: Nashville retailers prepare for Steeplechase

It's not just about the horses; fashion takes center stage at Nashville's annual Iroquois Steeplechase event.

In its 74th year, the major spring party and sporting event provides a platform for Nashville retailers to showcase designs and merchandise, from unique hats to jewelry and children's apparel. The Iroquois draws an average crowd of 25,000 on race day for tailgating, socializing and spectating.

Both independent and chain retailers are gearing up for the May 9 horse race at Percy Warner Park, and more than 15 businesses plan to participate in a "Dressing for Steeplechase" event on April 18 and 19.

Retailers such as Savannah Children, Gus Mayer, Judith Bright and Peter Nappi plan to host various in-store events that weekend and a portion of sales will benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, the official charity of Iroquois Steeplechase.

"I think Steeplechase is all about fashion," said Dana Nappi, co-founder of luxury leather goods company Peter Nappi. "I think it is one day when the entire community gets dressed up in their Sunday best and pulls together to support this great hospital that we have through a really fun event."

Nappi said it's the range of clothing — from dresses to seersucker shorts, fedoras and big hats — that makes Iroquois Steeplechase an interesting showcase of Nashville's fashion scene.

"It's really kind of a melting pot of fashion," Nappi said.

Peter Nappi partnered with Iroquois Steeplechase this year to co-design a limited edition women's equestrian boot which will be handcrafted in Italy and available for purchase prior to the horse race in May. The boot will be unveiled at an event at Gus Mayer in Green Hills on April 17 and at Peter Nappi in Germantown on April 18.

Nappi said 40 percent of proceeds from the sale of the boots will benefit the children's hospital.

Rachel Wilkins, owner of Nashville-based Savannah Children, plans to participate in Dressing for Steeplechase for the first time since she opened the business' headquarters on Harding Pike.

photo:formal dresses

Savannah Children designs and produces its own special occasion dresses, shoes and accessories for girls between 2- and 8-years-old. A Nashville native, Wilkins said Savannah Children's clientele and aesthetic overlaps with that of Iroquois Steeplechase.

Maggie Tucker, owner of Magpies Children's Resale Shoppe, is also participating in Dressing for Steeplechase for the first time this year. The boutique, which opened in August, sells gently used designer children's clothing, including seersucker shorts and Lily Pulitzer dresses. It also stocks new hair accessories and bow ties from local designers.

The store will host local children's author and artist Anna McCoy for a book signing on April 18.

"This is a fun way for kids to get involved and get dressed up and have a little bit of fun," Tucker said.

On April 18, 12South women's boutique LEONA plans to have Kentucky-based hat designer Polly Singer in the store with a selection of hats, including customized options. Brier & Moss bow ties will also be available. Discounts and prizes are part of the event.

Also in 12South, designer jewelry store Judith Bright plans to stock big earrings in advance of Steeplechase and will help style attendees for the event. Owner Judith Bright anticipates a busy couple weeks leading up to Steeplechase as Nashvillians look to support local businesses and also help benefit the children's hospital.

"Steeplechase is such a fashionable event and I think from dresses to hats to shoes to purses, we have it all in Nashville. A lot of it is available through local designers to outfit our ladies these days," Bright said.

Iroquois Steeplechase attendees also can shop on race day; about a dozen vendors will be set up at Percy Warner Park in a tented retail area.