Hats Take Center Stage

Screen shot 2011-05-06 at 6.42.01 PM.jpgBy Anaridis Rodriguez — 05/06/11
Go big or go home. That’s the motto behind one of the most celebrated traditions of the Kentucky Derby…the derby hats. And with just a day left before the big race, hundreds of people rushed to Dee’s Hat Shop in St. Matthews trying to find the perfect hat.
Kathy Olliges has been a hat designer for over 25 years and says this year’s trend is fascinators.
“Fascinators were big this year. We saw them at the wedding so we know they are at the wedding and you’ll also see them [at the track].”
They say the devil is in the detail but Olliges disagrees. She says that when choosing a derby hat, the sky’s the limit but always make sure to find something that fits your personal style.
“I want to coordinate my dress that’s the first thing and the second thing is that I don’t want to go all day with a hat that’s not comfortable. I want it to look good but also be comfortable.”
Today alone, Olliges’ crew of 30 employees made over 90 custom made hats and sold hundreds more. Olliges says by the end of the weekend over two thousand will be made for those attending the Oaks and Derby races.