At the 2026 Kentucky Derby, Dannielynn Birkhead showcased a bold new goth-rock style, marking a significant shift from her previous fashion choices. The 19-year-old daughter of Anna Nicole Smith turned heads at the Barnstable Brown Gala, wearing a striking black dress from Punk Rave.
Her outfit featured an edgy pixie haircut with silver roots and brown tips, inspired by a vampire aesthetic. Larry Birkhead, her father, expressed his pride, saying, “Dannielynn is rocking a fresh cut and ‘goth-rock’ style with her @punkraveclothing dress.”
This year’s look is particularly notable as it contrasts sharply with her previous appearances. In 2025, Dannielynn wore one of her late mother’s iconic gowns to the same gala. Larry noted, “This year is a different style for Dannielynn,” highlighting her evolving sense of fashion.
“It’s like she is Pat Benatar and Joan Jett all rolled into one,” he added. Larry also mentioned that Dannielynn insisted he dress according to the theme—showing her growing independence.
Since Anna Nicole Smith’s tragic passing in 2007 when Dannielynn was just five months old, the young woman has sought ways to honor her mother. Last year’s choice to wear Smith’s gown was one such tribute.
Despite the challenges they faced—including a court battle that established Larry’s paternity—he has always been supportive of Dannielynn’s journey. He stated, “I guess she’s at the age to do what she wants to do.”
As Dannielynn continues to carve out her own identity in the spotlight, it will be interesting to see how her fashion choices evolve further. For now, she certainly made an unforgettable impression at this year’s Derby.
