FASHION ALERT: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MOVER AND SHAKER MILLINER ELLEN CHRISTINE ON THE KENTUCKY DERBY 2012 Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner
ELLEN CHRISTINE
OFFICIAL MILLINER OF WHOM YOU KNOW
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Way before the starting signal is given for the horses to run the "Race for the Roses" at Churchill Downs, the orders for hats begin to come in. The orders start the day after the race, for next year, and continue throughout the year, as horse folk and fans prepare for their big day in the sun, whether that day is spent at a Kentucky Derby party, or at The Derby itself, hats are part and parcel of how to dress for the Derby.
Ellen Christine takes custom orders for many of her customers who are horse breeders, and owners, as well as the corporate secretaries and wives who dot the Grandstand in their finery on the day of the big race. For the last four years, there has been an extra added attraction in the hat world: Pink-Out Day, when at the Oaks, there is a pink dress code, in honor of Breast Cancer survivors. Packing advice for the Louisville run : something Pink for Friday, a cocktail hat/fascinator for the parties in the evening, and an over the top large brim for Saturday. We are thrilled that Ellen took the time to speak to us during her busiest time of the year! Peachy Deegan interviewed Ellen Christine for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What are the hottest Derby styles of 2012 and would they work for everyone?
Ellen Christine:
Fascinators are the hotest and the newest, and yes! They work for everyone!
What styles do you think are the most universally appealing that would work for many?
Large brimmed straws, with flowers, feathers, veiling, tulle, trim galore are the most popular. different trims appeal to different styles, but for The Kentucky Derby, this is the norm.
Are fascinators right for The Derby or should women wear something big and floppy?
Fascinators are fabulous for the Derby, but if you're outdoors, in the Infield, or walking around, large brims are popular for the basic sun protection that they afford.
What should most people know about wearing hats that they don't know yet?
At The Derby, anything goes, and no one will look at you strangely. Unless you're not wearing a hat!
What kind of dress or outfit otherwise makes sense to wear when wearing an over-the-top hat?
If you're going over the top, and your style is conservative, dress down, so that the hat is the eccentric piece in your ensemble. If you're a fashion forward, who throws trends into the wind, and follows your own inimitable style, go for it, and do it up.
Is right now your busiest time of year?
With Easter , Passover, The Derby, The Conservancy Luncheon in Central Park, Mother's Day AND weddings, weddings, weddings ....YES, it most certainly is a race to finish every day and ship on time.
If someone wants a bespoke hat for Saturday, how far in advance should you be contacted?
Our custom appointments are tight at this time of year, so we suggest starting as soon as feasibly possible. We can turn a hat around in 1-2 weeks, depending upon the materials and construction, but if you're 20th in line, and you want something in a particular shade of orange to match your jockey's silks, it might not happen overnight. Better to start early.
What do you think Peachy should wear to the Kentucky Derby if she were to go?
Peachy is a tailored kind of gal, and should wear something she feels comfortable in. No flowery bower for our Peachy. A natural straw, in a classic shape with an airy ribbon is best. For the parties every evening, we always advise fun: feathers will work beautifully.
Do you think the NASCAR race crowd should start wearing hats? Danica is now racing Nascar!
I want to see everyone wearing hats, at the US Open, at Nascar, at Belmont. We have a client who races, and she always wears hats at Nascar.
Does Sam your dog have a Derby hat?
Sam has a jaunty beret that he sometimes wears, but I haven't made him a fedora as yet! Gentlemen should wear either a classic boater, a porkpie, or a straighforward panama in a fedora shape.
What should our friend Max the horse wear?
Max goes Top Horse/Top Hat all the way!
What else should our readers know about hats and The Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is our own version of Ascot, as only the colonies could play it. Bearing in mind that the tradition comes down in lineage from the Royals, hats are a part of the joy of the moment, as well as a nod to the respect paid for the Queen. Why not participate in this hot haute hat moment, and take the headwear plunge?
How would you like to be contacted by our readers?
If custom hats are your requirement, please contact us at our studio for an appointment: 212-242-2457, in New York City.
See our hats on www.metoperashop.org, and www.hatagories.com every season.
