The season of mint juleps, roses and thoroughbreds is upon us (and no, it’s not one of our standard DuJour soirees); the 139th Kentucky Derby is this weekend. The Derby, which takes place every year on the first Saturday of May, is a two-minute race that defines both an equestrian year and the trends of the silk-organza draped world of millinery. Affectionately known as the “Race for the Roses,” due to the garland of 400-plus red flowers placed on the winning steed, the Derby is more than just a horse race—it’s a hat parade.
We had a lot of questions—how much are these tufted-tulle headpieces? Is everyone still trying to be Kate Middleton? How does one pull off a modern-day Scarlett O’hara?—so we spoke to six very different milliners about their Derby creations. We learned that a big black or white sweeping brim with a surplus of red roses is the ever-chic Derby staple… and so much more. Have a sip of your spring cocktail, remove your handmade chapeau and take a look in the DuJour gallery to meet the milliners and hear more about their designs.
