Dannielynn Birkhead honours Anna Nicole Smith with special jewelry
Dannielynn paired the pieces with a light blue tulle dress by Mac Duggal.
A Heartfelt Tribute Through Fashion
At the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Dannielynn Birkhead, the 18-year-old daughter of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, paid tribute to her late mother in a touching and stylish way. The teenager donned some of Anna Nicole’s jewelry, marking the first time she’s worn her mom’s treasured necklace and bangles.
Vintage Glamour at the Races
For the Derby event on Saturday, May 3, Dannielynn channeled a retro 1950s prom look with a pale blue strapless Mac Duggal gown. The tulle dress featured soft ruffled tiers and delicate detailing along the bodice. She completed the look with a feathered fascinator, a striking gold pendant necklace, a gold watch, and several gold bangles — all once belonging to her iconic mother.
Keeping a Family Tradition Alive
Larry Birkhead, 52, accompanied his daughter in coordinated style, wearing a cream suit and a pastel blue dress shirt topped with a vibrant patterned tie. He shared a laugh on the red carpet with PEOPLE, admitting that their annual tradition of dressing up for the Derby has become quite the production. “With that expectation, you have to ramp up the outfits each time. And as they ramp up, you know it gets more expensive too and it’s a lot of work,” he said.
Picking the Perfect Look
When asked how she chose her gown for the event, Dannielynn joked that she simply “eeny, meeny, miny, moe’d it” after growing weary of the decision-making process. Despite the playful approach, both father and daughter agreed the Mac Duggal dress was a perfect choice. “This is a cool dress, and it looks great on her,” Larry said proudly, noting that it was made even more special with the addition of her mother’s jewelry.
A Sweet Nod to the Past
The Derby appearance came just a day after Dannielynn also wore one of Anna Nicole’s actual dresses — a backless, floor-length piece — to the annual Barnstable Brown Gala, further honoring her late mother’s legacy with elegance and heart.