Churchill Downs names 3 Featured Milliners for Kentucky Derby 2023. Meet the hat makers
They create exceptional hats and fascinators to sit atop some of the world's most famous faces — Oprah, Al Roker, Katy Perry and First Lady Michelle Obama, to name a few. It's a sure sign spring is around the corner when Churchill Downs Racetrack officially announces the hat makers who will serve as Featured Milliners of this year's Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.
Individually known for their exquisite designs and mastery of the craft, the Featured Milliners of the 2023 Kentucky Derby are Christine Moore, Jenny Pfanenstiel, and The Hat Girls.
"The act of wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is one of our most cherished living traditions," Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships for Churchill Downs, said in a news release. "We’re fortunate to partner with these exceptional milliners and notable designers who both elevate the craft and invigorate the Derby with color, style and beauty. Fashion of the Kentucky Derby has become a sport in itself and is an integral part of the spectacle and entertainment associated with this most thrilling event."
Inspired to get your own head in the hat game? These three millinery shops not only create handmade headpieces for celebrities we'll see trackside on May, 6, but they can top off your Derby look, too. Here's what to know about the three Featured Milliners of the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
Christine A. Moore Millinery
Moore was selected by Churchill Downs as the first featured milliner in 2018 and has continued in the role for six years. Her wide-brim hats and fascinators are recognized for their elegance, unique design and comfort.
Based in New York City, Christine A. Moore Millinery has been a regular fixture in the Kentucky scene since 1994. Besides her line of hats for women, The Blake Collection, named for Moore's husband, is also popular during Derby season and can be purchased at camhats.com, at her shop in Herald Square in New York City or in Louisville at Rodes for Him and Her, 4938 Brownsboro Road.
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Moore visits Louisville often and will be available to help design your Kentucky Derby wardrobe during multiple Trunk Shows at Rodes for Him and Her on March 3-4, April 20-22, and May 1-4.
Jenny Pfanenstiel, Formé Millinery Hat Shop
Known for creating and sculpting unique headpieces for women and men using high-quality materials from across the globe, Pfanenstiel, who lives in Kentucky, returns in 2023 as one of Churchill Downs's Featured Milliners after serving in the role for the 146, 147 and 148 Kentucky Derbys. You can shop from Pfanestiel's spring collections or order a custom design.
The Kentucky milliner has two permanent locations in the Louisville area, Formé Millinery Hat Shop, 1009 E. Main St., and Judith M Millinery Supply House, 115 E. Main St. in La Grange. You'll also find Pfanenstiel's hats at additional locations around Louisville listed on her website.
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Rachel Bell and Kate Smith, The Hat Girls
New to this year's lineup of Churchill Downs Featured Milliners — but "old hats" so to speak in the world of millinery — Bell and Smith, owners of The Hat Girls, create wearable art for women from all walks of life.
After striking up a friendship more than 20 years ago at duPont Manual High School, Smith studied fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago and Bell honed her skills in marketing. Today, The Hat GIrls are celebrated for their playful feathery show-stopping headpieces as well as classic "Southern Belle" style Derby hats.
Browse The Hat Girls 2023 collections online at thehatgirls.com or order a custom design. During the month of April, visit The Hat Girls' brick-and-mortar location at 211 Clover Lane in Louisville.
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What should you wear to the Kentucky Derby?
Since most of us don't wear a stylish hat at any time of the year other than Kentucky Derby week, here are a few tips to refresh your fashion memory or point you in the right direction. Remember the Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday, May 6 and the sooner you pull together your wardrobe, the more time you'll have to enjoy the weeks leading up to "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
Here are three tips to keep in mind:
First, hats are all about personality and that's a good place to start when dressing for the Kentucky Derby. Find a style that fits your personality and be sure to consider brim size. Will you be moving around a lot? A smaller fascinator may be your best choice. If you plan to be seated and out of the wind, a wide brim is a classic choice. Keep in mind that you don't want to fight with your headpiece throughout the day, so choose wisely and keep comfort in mind.
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Next, do you pick the hat or dress first? It really doesn't matter as long as you choose an outfit you'll enjoy. Many milliners will be able to match a hat or fascinator to your outfit, but you'll need to start this process week in advance of the races.
Finally, hats aren't just for women attending the Kentucky Derby. Men wear fashionable hats, too. A sleek fedora trimmed in colors to match a suit is timeless and always a classic look. Choose straw over felt and you will be cooler.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 3 Featured Milliners named by Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 2023
