Livvy Dunne Transitions from Gymnast to Fashion Icon at the Kentucky Derby

The LSU graduate stuns in a pink ruffled mini dress as she hosts Club SI at Churchill Downs

Livvy Dunne, the former LSU gymnast turned influencer, was all about elegance and femininity as she kicked off Kentucky Derby weekend in style. Known for her athleticism and her iconic presence on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Dunne added a new chapter to her public persona by hosting the exclusive Club SI event at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2, during the Kentucky Oaks.

Dunne, 22, embodied a soft yet sophisticated look, donning a light pink mini dress adorned with playful ruffles on the shoulder straps. The dress featured a daring V-neck with cutouts along the midsection, creating a balance between youthful charm and elegant allure. The V-neckline opened up to reveal a delicate back cutout that added an unexpected touch of boldness to the overall feminine aesthetic.

As any true Derby attendee would, Dunne completed her ensemble with an exquisite accessory—a matching asymmetric disc headband fascinator that added a layer of drama to her outfit. Paired with pink platform sandals featuring two straps adorned with bow designs, her outfit epitomized Derby chic.

Dunne’s accessories were equally captivating. She carried a lightly-colored straw handbag with wooden handles, its front embellished with a sequin pattern in various shades of pink. Her jewelry included silver hoop earrings, a silver bracelet, and a sleek silver watch, tying the whole look together with just the right touch of sparkle.

The former gymnast’s signature blonde hair was styled in a low ponytail with pieces framing her face, enhancing her youthful and fresh look. Throughout the day, she shared moments on Instagram Stories, including a group shot with fellow guests who all embraced the pink theme, as she enjoyed the Louisiana suite at the Derby.

The Kentucky Derby event marked a festive occasion in Dunne’s life, coming shortly after announcing the end of her collegiate gymnastics career. On April 17, Dunne shared the bittersweet news that she would be stepping away from her gymnastics career, bringing a close to an era of hard work and dedication.

In an emotional Instagram post shared just days later, Dunne reflected on her two decades in the sport. The video, which began with her walking into an empty auditorium, showcased key milestones in her gymnastics journey. With a sentimental voiceover, she expressed her gratitude for her time on the U.S. National Team and the memories made along the way. Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” played in the background, perfectly underscoring the heartfelt nature of the moment.

“Something said when you’re enjoying yourself to the point time seems to slip away from you. And that’s exactly how the past 20 years in this sport have felt,” Dunne said. She credited her teammates for their sisterhood and thanked her coaches for pushing her to greatness.

Dunne, who described gymnastics as her “first love,” expressed gratitude for every moment in the sport, saying, “I will cherish every memory for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything, gymnastics. You were so good to me.”

From an accomplished gymnast to a fashion icon and now an influential personality, Livvy Dunne continues to shine both in the spotlight and beyond, seamlessly transitioning into new chapters with grace and authenticity. Her appearance at the Kentucky Derby was a testament to her evolving career, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the young star.