Kentucky Derby Hat Reveal: A Colour Culture Triumph
Today, I’m celebrating a thrilling adventure: designing a hat for a client who debuted it at the Kentucky Derby just weeks ago! As an architectural designer, professor, and creator, I stepped into uncharted territory to craft a hat that sparkled under Churchill Downs’ iconic spires. Welcome to Colour Culture, where I share the joy of making, and this vibrant project has been a highlight of my spring.
My process began with a crisp white fabric base—too stark at first. I softened it with a tea dye, adding a warm, earthy glow and a subtle, comforting scent to engage all the senses. The fabric dried on my bathroom towel warmer, a Swedish travel gem that elevates every day with warm towels and impeccable style. To shape the hat’s details, I got new tools—always exciting! I purchased a set of milliner’s tools, like a soldering iron but with interchangeable heads, to create different petal shapes and leaf veins, bringing the design to life with precision and flair. Once dry, I shaped those petals and butterflies, letting the hat’s personality emerge.
Japanese Flower Making Tools
The final design? A masterpiece unveiled post-Derby—featuring a tea-dyed base, hand-stitched florals inspired by the sleek elegance of France, and a veil echoing vintage elegance. My client’s vision, shaped by the event’s exuberance, made this a true collaboration. Unlike the slow pace of architecture, this hat was a burst of creativity—fun, fast, and full of life. It’s a reminder that beauty can bloom in weeks. I’m thrilled with this fashion detour—what quick project has sparked joy for you lately? Share below—I’m curious!
Kentucky Derby Hat Reveal
Isn’t Marcy beautiful in her new hat!