Spring is officially here and so the rollout of my Spring 2023 hat collection has begun! The theme for this year’s Spring line is, The Rainbow Queen, inspired by Queen Elizabeth II and her colorful style. Queen Elizabeth II famously informed fashion trends around the world for decades and I’ve always admired her unabashed love…
Turnout matters. To me, a visit to the paddock is worth fighting the crowds, for, in addition to supporting to my persistent (though erroneous) belief that I’m a good judge of horseflesh, I derive pleasure from admiring the grooms’ art. Beautifully conditioned, impeccably turned out thoroughbreds simply radiate breeding and care. I’m conviced that, with…
I was asked to submit a few hats for Kentucky Monthly Magazine’s April issue. They were doing an article on Kentucky Derby fashion history. I love vintage fashion and assignments such as this. Most of the pieces that I submitted were the smaller headpieces. I was also asked to write a 100 word essay on…
Pack the Right Tack No well managed horse goes to the track without a foot box or tack box. A tack box, the equivalent of a ladies handbag, is stocked with all the equipment and emergency supplies that may be required for a day at the races. Tack boxes contain everything from safety pins to…
Condsider the footing As any horseman knows, 90% of lameness originates in the foot. For this reason we tend to treat our farriers as visiting royalty . We treat our horses to custom shoes, expertly fitted to the beast and the terrain. Unfortuately, few of us can afford custom footwear for ourselves. Personally, I find…
When I was a little girl, my mother read many books to me. My favorite, “Toodles and Her Friends”, had a cat that went through obstacles, but would always persevere and come out on top. She would always say “Perseverance Pays”. That has always stuck with me. In designing hats, I am always the most…
