If you’ve ever watched or been to the Kentucky Derby, you know how important hats are to the stylish outfits worn by both women and men. Woodford Reserve said this week it has teamed up with renowned milliner Gigi Burris “to debut a luxurious, artisanal collection of hats that honors the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, America’s longest sporting tradition.” (A milliner is a person who makes or sells women’s hats. I looked it up. Someone who makes or sells men’s hats is a hatter. But I digress.)
“The Kentucky Derby and headwear have a richly intertwined history, with decades of American style moments defined by hats,” said Burris, whose studio is in New York City. “This collaboration with Woodford Reserve reflects that same sense of tradition, craftsmanship, and style.”
There are three hat styles for women, one for men, and a unisex rose lapel pin. (It’s the Run for the Roses, after all). Hat prices range from $410 to $485 dollars. The colors in the hat collection (molasses, white, mahogany, caramel, and toffee) bring to mind those found in a bottle of Woodford Reserve.
See the hat collection online at Gigi Burris Millinery. And don’t forget, the Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May.
The Kentucky Derby Hat Collection
FOREMAN Men’s Fedora
Hand-blocked from molasses metallic flecked straw braid, this men’s fedora offers a refined balance of texture and structure. Finished with a cotton grosgrain ribbon, a hand-stitched slim leather band, and a pheasant feather embellishment for a subtle natural accent. Lightweight yet structured, it’s designed for effortless wear.
BELLEMERE
Women’s Hat
Handcrafted from custom-made Starbright straw braid in white and toffee, this hat features a domed crown for a smooth, structured finish. The lightweight caramel woven sinamay straw brim is sculpted for drama and elegance. A slim mahogany-colored cotton grosgrain band adds a refined contrast, highlighting the hat’s rich textural and tonal detailing. A timeless silhouette with modern craftsmanship.
FILLY
Women’s Cocktail Hat
Sewn from wide toffee-hued hemp straw braid, this angular cocktail hat balances structure with fluidity. A draped hemp loop embellishment anchors gathered vintage toffee veiling, accented with hand-placed chenille dots for added dimension. The interplay of movement and texture gives this piece a refined yet festive appeal.
SOMERSET
Women’s Hat
A slim sculptural crown, hand-blocked from white sinamay, is paired with a downward-sloping brim, encircled by cotton grosgrain piping for a refined finish. The timeless yet distinctly modern silhouette is accented with tonal fine veiling draped at the crown and delicate sinamay straw flora with vintage stamen, adding an additional textural detail.
ROSETTE
Unisex Lapel Pin
A unisex lapel pin crafted from hand-molded metallic copper lambskin sculpted into a rose motif, reflecting the refined craftsmanship of a freshly polished copper still. Set on a rhodium lapel pin, this piece merges industrial shine with organic form, a subtle nod to the celebrated flower of the Kentucky Derby.
“Dressing for The Kentucky Derby begins with the hat. We are honored to partner with Gigi to unveil this refined collection for both men and women.”
About Woodford Reserve Distillery
Woodford Reserve, “Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby,” is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us www.woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodfordreserve.
