Livvy Dunne’s Kentucky Derby Fashion: 5 Ways The LSU Star Became A Churchill Downs Style Icon (and Her Viral Mishap)

The Kentucky Derby is an event synonymous with high fashion, celebrity appearances, and the thrilling "Run for the Roses," and in recent years, one name has consistently dominated the headlines at Churchill Downs: Olivia “Livvy” Dunne. As of December 12, 2025, the former LSU gymnast and NIL superstar has cemented her status not just as a global influencer, but as a genuine style icon at the most prestigious event in horse racing.

Dunne’s attendance at the most recent Derby weekend was a masterclass in Southern glam, featuring a show-stopping, vintage-inspired polka-dot dress that instantly went viral across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Beyond the impeccable fashion, however, her weekend was also marked by a highly publicized, though minor, mishap during the Kentucky Oaks "Riders Up" call, proving that even a star with a staggering $4.1 million NIL valuation can have an awkward moment under the spotlight.

Olivia "Livvy" Dunne: Full Biography and Profile

Olivia Paige Dunne, widely known as "Livvy," is an American artistic gymnast, social media personality, and one of the most successful Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) athletes in collegiate sports history. Her blend of athletic prowess, media savvy, and magnetic personality has made her a cultural phenomenon.

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• Full Name: Olivia Paige Dunne
• Date of Birth: October 1, 2002
• Age: 23 (as of December 2025)
• Hometown: Hillsdale, New Jersey (Born in Westwood, New Jersey)
• Parents: David and Katherine Dunne
• Education: Louisiana State University (LSU)
• Athletic Career: Former LSU Tigers artistic gymnast, contributing to the team's historic 2024 NCAA National Championship.
• Media Career: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model (two-time cover star), social media influencer with millions of followers across platforms.
• Relationship Status: Dating MLB pitcher Paul Skenes.
• NIL Valuation: Estimated at $4.1–$4.2 million, with total career earnings nearing $9.5 million, making her one of the highest-paid female student-athletes.

The Evolution of Livvy Dunne's Kentucky Derby Fashion

The Kentucky Derby is an annual pilgrimage for celebrities, athletes, and fashion enthusiasts, known for its strict dress code of hats, bright colors, and sophisticated Southern charm. Livvy Dunne's appearances in 2023 and 2024 showcased a deliberate and stunning evolution, transforming her from a collegiate star on the NIL frontier into a recognized fashion authority at Churchill Downs.

1. The 2023 Debut: Pretty in Pink Ruffles

Dunne’s first appearance at the Derby weekend in 2023 was a memorable introduction to the event's high-stakes style. She chose an all-pink, flowy, ruffled dress for the Kentucky Oaks (the race held the day before the Derby), a look that perfectly captured the feminine, celebratory spirit of the event.

This debut look was a strong statement, moving away from her familiar LSU gymnastics leotard and athletic wear to embrace the elaborate traditions of the Derby. It was a clear signal that the NIL queen was ready to be a fashion fixture in the celebrity world.

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2. The 2024 Viral Polka-Dot Masterpiece

For the main event in 2024, Dunne delivered a look that many declared the winner of Derby fashion. She wore a chic, fitted mini-dress featuring a bold black-and-white polka-dot pattern. The ensemble was described as vintage-inspired and dripping with Southern glam, perfectly balancing the event’s traditional aesthetic with a modern, youthful edge.

The outfit, which she showcased extensively across her massive social media following, demonstrated her keen understanding of the event’s style requirements while maintaining her signature glamorous appeal. It was a sophisticated choice that garnered significant media attention, underscoring her ability to generate buzz simply through her presence and fashion choices.

The "Riders Up" Mishap and Livvy's Response

While her fashion was flawless, Dunne's weekend at Churchill Downs was not without a moment of viral awkwardness. During the 2024 Kentucky Oaks ceremony, Dunne was given the honor of announcing the traditional "Riders Up" call, a key moment before the race begins.

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The call, which is meant to be a clear, commanding announcement, came out slightly muffled and hesitant, leading to immediate scrutiny and backlash from some critics on social media. The incident was quickly labeled a "flop" and a "rough cameo" by some outlets, highlighting the intense pressure and public judgment faced by high-profile figures in the digital age.

The Power of the NIL Star

In a move that demonstrated her maturity and media training, Livvy Dunne quickly responded to the criticism. She acknowledged the awkwardness of the moment, showing that she can handle public scrutiny with grace. This incident, though minor, ironically amplified her star power, turning a small gaffe into a major talking point and generating even more publicity for the Kentucky Derby weekend.

Her ability to turn a moment of public awkwardness into a brief news cycle is a testament to her influence as a leading figure in the NIL era. She, along with other high-profile athletes like Simone Biles, is spotlighting the growing trend of collegiate sports stars seamlessly transitioning into mainstream celebrity culture.

Beyond the Derby: Livvy Dunne's NIL Empire and Future

Livvy Dunne's presence at the Kentucky Derby is more than just a celebrity appearance; it’s a strategic move in building her multi-million dollar brand. Her NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) empire, with an estimated valuation over $4 million, is fueled by high-profile partnerships with major brands.

Her deals include multi-million dollar partnerships with platforms like Passes and collaborations with companies such as Crocs and Jake Paul’s men’s care brand, W. These endorsements allow her to leverage her massive social media following—the largest of any female college athlete—to generate unprecedented wealth and influence.

As a 2024 NCAA National Champion with LSU and a two-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Dunne has successfully diversified her career beyond gymnastics. Her appearances at cultural touchstones like the Kentucky Derby solidify her position as a permanent fixture in the intersection of sports, fashion, and celebrity, ensuring that her impact will continue long after her collegiate career has concluded. Her style choices at Churchill Downs are now a highly anticipated part of the event, confirming her transition from gymnastics star to a bona fide American icon.