Derby weekend is no mere sporting occasion — although the action on the track is thrilling — it’s one of the great social gatherings of the year and the people who attend dress accordingly in all their finery, especially hats.
Headwear company Dorfman Pacific has been selling hats in the Kentucky Derby Museum store at Churchill Downs for years. It’s become a year-round business there, as more visitors seek hats for special occasions or as souvenirs.On Derby weekend, business is like a tidal flow, said the company’s vice president of sales, Debra Highsmith. One moment the store is overflowing with shoppers. The next, virtually everyone disappears to the stands in time for the next race, and the store is deserted. Once the race is over, back they come.
The formal Derby weekend crowd buys a different, much dressier type of hat, than year-round visitors to Churchill Downs. In response to this, an elegant and eye-catching assortment of women’s sinamay hats and fascinators were created.
Styling elements include a variety of high fashion colors and shapes, adorned with stunning and extravagant confections of ribbon and feather. These hats generally range from $70 to $150, with fascinators ranging from $24 to $200.
“Last year’s royal wedding inspired women to try fascinator headwear instead of traditional hat silhouettes, as they are easier to wear and are a flattering accessory for many occasions. Younger women are wearing them to proms and clubs in order to make a unique fashion statement. Wedding parties are enjoying them, too,” Highsmith said.
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