Louisville: The 151st Kentucky Derby on May 4, 2024, will showcase not only superb horse racing but also a vibrant fashion scene, notably headwear. The Kentucky Derby Museum reveals its featured milliners for 2025, emphasising the enduring connection between the event and style.
The 151st Kentucky Derby, set to take place on May 4, 2024, is not only a celebration of equine excellence but also a significant event in the world of fashion, particularly for its spectators. Attendees, whether present at Churchill Downs or tuning in virtually, are set to engage in a visual feast, with a particular emphasis on headwear that ranges from wide-brimmed hats adorned with flowers and feathers to chic British-inspired fascinators.
The connection between the Kentucky Derby and fashion can be traced back to its inaugural race in 1875. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of the famous explorer William Clark, founded Churchill Downs. He and his wife, Mary, were inspired by the impeccably dressed onlookers at racing events they attended in England and France. Upon returning to Louisville, Mary showcased her own lavish style, driving through the city in an open carriage, inspiring others to dress elegantly for the Derby. This laid the foundation for a fashion tradition that has flourished at the event over the decades, leading to a vibrant culture where style is as crucial as the racing itself.
In anticipation of the upcoming Derby, the Kentucky Derby Museum (KDM) has unveiled its selection of five milliners to be featured for the 2025 racing season. Following an open application portal in the summer of 2024, milliners from the United States and Europe submitted their designs, with the following talented individuals chosen for their unique contributions to the world of Hat couture:
- Mary Julia Kaiser, the owner of Derbyologie, is celebrated for her diverse range of fascinator designs that capture a spectrum from understated elegance to bold statements.
- Ilana Kogan, who manages The Hat Doctor, combines her career as a radiologist with a passion for millinery, creating bespoke hats that feature intricate embroidery and imaginative shapes.
- Christine A. Moore, an acclaimed milliner known for designing for theatrical productions, is particularly recognised for her dynamic Derby styles that are designed to make a bold impression.
- Jenny Pfanenstiel of Forme Millinery Co. is famed for her innovative technique of hat crafting using an 1800s braid machine, and she has been part of the Featured Milliner Program since its inception in 2017.
- Jessica Schickli, the creative mind behind Hat Haven, offers ready-made designs while also allowing clients to opt for customisation with their choice of materials.
This year marks the ninth iteration of the featured milliner program, reinforcing the Kentucky Derby Museum’s ongoing commitment to honouring the heritage and custom associated with the race. As the museum itself celebrates its 40th anniversary, it recognises the essential role that millinery has played in the enduring tradition surrounding the event.
On March 23, the featured milliners will display their creations at the Derby Museum Hat Show, where attendees can witness up to ten of each designer’s unique pieces modelled on the runway. Tickets for this event are available for purchase online, and the milliners will also have the opportunity to sell their designs at the Derby Museum Store.
Finally, fans and visitors can also explore an array of pre-Derby experiences with guided tours featuring insider tracks, such as the Derby Season Barn and Backside Tour, which is offered from April to November. Each tour includes opportunities to see where horses are stabled, experience morning workouts, and learn historical anecdotes about legendary racehorses.
The Kentucky Derby remains not only a prominent horse racing event but also a dynamic exhibition of fashion and craftsmanship, reflecting the rich histories of brands and the evolving trends that continue to captivate audiences around the world.
Source: Noah Wire Services
