BOSTON- As national eyes and attention turned to the reveal of post positions at Churchill Downs on Thursday for Saturday’s 152nd Kentucky Derby running, the team of Amanda Vargus and Matt Ribaudo made their own revelation, naming renowned red carpet host and media personality Peter Panos as guest emcee for Boston’s Fashion Derby at The Sporting Club inside The Omni Boston Seaport (Saturday, May 2nd; 2pm-7pm.)
Known for his conversational and engaging style during interviews and commentary, Panos’ content has been featured on major media platforms including MTV, Marie Claire, Glamour and Cosmopolitan.
“I’m super excited to be part of this year’s Fashion Derby and to be working alongside Amanda and Matt,” Panos said. “After attending The Runway Ball in December, I knew they are a team I would want to collaborate with.”
“It’ll be fun to have someone other than me emceeing our Derby (fashion) collections this year,” co-producer Ribaudo said grinning. “When the opportunity presented itself to work with a talented creator as entertaining as Peter it was an easy decision to bring him on-board.”
Vargus agrees, noting that the Greek-American content creator’s strong presence in fashion, beauty, and entertainment is the perfect ‘Fashion Derby Trifecta’.
“Peter’s high energy and charisma give him a natural ability to command a room and elevate any live event experience,” she said. “Especially, when it’s an event also involving fashion.”
Known for a refined, tailored aesthetic that blends timeless sophistication with playful, statement-making moments, Panos has hosted live shows as a celebrated collaborator within the Real Housewives universe for years, including connections across The Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Real Housewives of New York City, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.
As co-creator and host of the Simply Deep podcast -spotlighting celebrity interviews, pop culture, and lifestyle conversations- he has been recognized for building authentic relationships with talent and creating moments that feel both elevated and effortless; a combination both Vargus and Ribaudo point to that translates well with a show like Boston’s Fashion Derby.
This year’s Fashion Derby showcases themed collections from Gretta Monahan, Sara Campbell and lalla bee by Melina Cortes; all featuring custom fascinators designed by Ellie Jian of ELLIE JIAN Millinery and walked by models Bridget Wixted, Kya McCarthy, Shannon Bralley, Kate Montana, and Helena Greenslit.
Doors open at 2pm on Saturday at The Sporting Club, with the first designer collection scheduled to be shown at 3:30 with a collection following each hour after that.
Guests will gather to watch the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby — thoroughbred championship racing’s storied Run for the Roses — with live coverage of the full Churchill Downs racing card on dedicated screens throughout the venue. Woodford Reserve, Leyenda 1925 Tequila, and Moët Chandon anchor the beverage program alongside culinary creations from The Sporting Club kitchen, all soundtracked by the live music of The Elephant in the Room Band.
Boston’s Fashion Derby has earned recognition from the official Kentucky Derby Style Guide as an event that honors and upholds the presentation and pageantry of Derby-themed attire — a distinction that continues to grow with Peter Panos participating as this year’s guest emcee.
