Derby Hat Panache . . . What Makes The Perfect Hat?

By Holly Ralston Oyler

Some people will say a hat is a hat. Those people have not been to the Kentucky Derby. The perfect Derby hat is just that . . . perfect. Hat makers and manufacturers are not dumb - they come from near and far to accommodate the Louisville woman's search for the perfect Derby hat.

In years gone by, the big name hat designers like Frank Olive and Marc Jacobs have visited Louisville with their collections. Today's woman is a little more hat-savvy when it comes to her choice. She is looking for comfort, proportion and uniqueness. First and foremost, your hat should be comfortable - not an easy feat when you think about it. Women do not wear hats on a regular basis anymore, so they are not use to the feel of a hat. Selecting the design elements needed in order to have the proper proportions for your body structure is a major consideration (a hat-hint: the brim should not be larger than then your shoulder width).

So, how do you find the perfect Derby Hat? Look for a hat designer who will custom design your hat, and Louisville has the best of them.

The hat on the cover of this magazine was designed by local hat designer Georgie Gutman. "This style is considered the Kentucky Derby hat by visitors to the city during Derby," said Gutman. The baby's breath, flowers, and bows are finished off with 20 yards of ribbon in the back. Gutman's hats vary from year to year, and after designing Derby hats for the past 15 years, she knows what Derby hat wearers want. All hats are hand sewn, so the process is rather labor intensive. "I use a lot of horsehair and hand sewing in my designs," she said. Gutman does not try to forecast colors in her work - but she does have some tried and true favorites. "Black and white are the biggest sellers by far." Bright colors are also popular. "This year you can expect some new designs and luscious new colors," Gutman says.

Even though she works on her hats year-around, the hats are available only during the Derby season. She also limits the sale of her hats to three weeks prior to Derby. "By doing this, everyone has an equal chance of getting a great hat for Derby, especially the out-of-town guests," she explained. Last year she sold over 100 hats and expects to double that this year. Her hats are range in price from $39 to $100. Gutman keeps her prices reasonable so "you can have a new hat again next year."

Gutman's tip for Derby hat wearers? Take a large plastic bag and fold it up small as possible. Slip it into your handbag - just in case of rain. She also suggests taking at least two large hatpins to secure your hat if there is wind. "No one wants to hold their hat on their head all day long. Using the hatpins will secure your hat for a comfortable day at the Downs."

...

Holly Ralston Oyler is a regular feature writer for Today's Woman

119 S. Hurstbourne Parkway • Suite 202 • Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 327-8855 • (502) 327-8861 • info@todays-woman.com