Why Do We Wear Hats to the Kentucky Derby?

Did you ever wonder why we wear elaborate hats to the Kentucky Derby? Well, the history of the Kentucky Derby goes back to the Derby Stakes in Britain, known here in the States as the Epsom Derby. The Epsom Derby was first run in 1780 and is the highest-purse horse race in Britain. 

In 1873, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. visited Europe, taking in the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp. He returned home to Louisville and organized the race now known as the Kentucky Derby, looking toward these races for inspiration for track design, race length and other details. When the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, Kentucky ladies wore their finest to the races, just as their British counterparts did. Of course, in those days, finery included a chapeau, and the tradition stuck.

Kentucky Derby 1938. via The Huffington Post.

These days, a Derby Hat is the first thing most ladies look for when they make place for the big race. Kate Welsh, co-owner of The Hat Girls, the Official Hat Designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival, says "Sixty percent of our business is custom work, which wasn’t in our original business plan. We find that, typically, a lady wants to pick out her clothes around the hat. Others want a custom design made from dresses they’ve already picked out."

Of course, there's a fine line between a dramatic hat and one that's too comfortable for race day wear. Kate Welsh says "We’re very honest with customers about what works for them. People try the hats on, and they don’t always realize that an adjustable hat brim only helps them so much. As designers, we try to limit how many feathers or sequins we add to the hat so thatit’s not sagging down into the customer’s face."

Rachel Bell, Ms. Welsh's Hat Girls partner, notes that their designs do strike a balance between practicality and flair. "But, at the same time, the hat usually is the focal point of the outfit." 

Kate Walsh of The Hat Girls shows a hat that was custom-made to match a client's Derby Dress.

Whether your preferred look is a practical fascinator or a show-stopping chapeau, you can thank the Derby's English roots -- and especially Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr's trip to Epsom -- for the tradition of Kentucky Derby Hats.

Want to learn more about the Kentucky Derby's history? Download The Kentucky Derby by Bill Doolittle, now in eBook format, on Amazon or iBooks. 

Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob

If y'all are anything like me, you're loving all things equestrian and mint julep this spring. I mean, Derby is basically Louisville's own three-week carnival season; why shouldn't we dress like it?

A few of y'all asked about the Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob I posted on Instagram yesterday. I love to switch out fobs, or "charms," as I like to think of them, on my bag to keep it fresh with the season. The horseshoe is perfect for Derby time.  You can find it here, and there are also some great new Lexington and Kentucky-themed products that have dropped on the Draper James site this morning. I seriously want them all! (Click here, and you'll receive $20 off your Draper James online order!)

It's feeling like a lucky week! Follow Herkentucky on IG this week for betting tips from legendary jockey @brothers.donna, the first look at @thesummitatfritzfarm, and the @derbymuseum Gala! 🐎🐎🐎 . . . . #kentuckyderby #kentuckyblogger #blogger #sharelouisville #lillypulitzer #draperjames #fblogger #summitatfritzfarm #sharelouisville #sharethelex

A post shared by HerKentucky (@herkentucky) on Apr 24, 2017 at 6:41am PDT

Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob

If you want to celebrate The Horse Racing Capital of the World (and what I consider the prettiest town in America!), The Lexington Horseshoe Key Fob is now available to pre-order, celebrating the upcoming opening of the store at The Summit at Fritz Farm! 

These Lexington Cocktail Napkins would be the perfect hostess gift for a Lexingtonian or a Lexington expatriate who misses home!

And how perfect are these mint julep paper coasters for a Derby party?

Happy week before Derby week, y'all! 

(This post contains affiliate links.)

Draper James Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection

Y'all! Draper James dropped their 2017 Kentucky Derby Capsule Collection today and it is soooo good!

This envelope clutch is so cute for a day at the track.

And this tee is perfect for low-key Derby week festivities.

This hat would be so fun for Thurby.

I love the colors on this dress. It'll be so great for summer soirees.

And I may even love the skirt more!

Even better? Click this link for $20 off your next Draper James order.  And look for Draper James opening soon at the Summit at Fritz Farm in Lexington!!

(This post contains affiliate links; HerKentucky receives a nominal commission on every product link you click in this post. All opinions are my own!)