Products List
Kentucky Derby Hats
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CALAMITY JANE Fascinator Hat in Ivory & Bright Multi | Vivien Sheriff
$1,595.00The CALAMITY JANE Fascinator Hat in Ivory & Bright Multi by Vivien Sheriff is a bold, statement-making design created for standout race day style. Set on a structured ivory sinamay base (not white), this piece features an expressive arrangement of... -
MITZI - Black and White
$195.00This Beautiful Two-tone Black and White Women's Upturn Brim Hat, By The Niche Collection, Is An Elegant Headpiece To Wear For A Wedding, Luncheon, The Kentucky Derby, Polo Match, or Any Special Occasion. A Touch Of Netting Trim Detail Adds A Unique... -
NITA - Ivory and Navy
$498.00We Love This Dramatic, Two-Tone Ivory and Navy, Nigel Rayment Couture Wide-Brimmed Hat With Giant Flower. This Is A Perfect Hat To Wear To The Kentucky Derby Or A Steeplechase. -
VIXA Gold Fascinator Hat for Weddings & Formal Occasions | Vixen Millinery
$450.00Elegant, feminine, and effortlessly refined, the Vixa fascinator by Vixen Millinery is a beautifully crafted headpiece designed for timeless occasion styling. This sophisticated fascinator hat features a graceful combination of sinamay and delicate... -
TRISTAN Raspberry Mix Sculptural Sinamay Fascinator Hat for Kentucky Derby & Oaks | Vixen Millinery
$350.00Bold, feminine, and undeniably striking, the Tristan fascinator in Raspberry Mix by Vixen Millinery is a sculptural statement piece designed for standout occasion styling. Handcrafted from fine sinamay, this elevated design features dramatic looping... -
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BORDEAUX Fascinator in Deep Red for Kentucky Derby
$195.00Rich, refined, and effortlessly elegant, this Bordeaux fascinator is a timeless choice for standout occasions. Designed in a deep red hue, this piece offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional wide-brim hats while still delivering a polished and... -
AVALON – Royal Blue Wide-Brim Kentucky Derby Hat with White Feathers | Vivien Sheriff
$1,295.00The Avalon in Royal Blue and White by Vivien Sheriff is a refined take on statement race day style. Crafted on a rich royal blue base, this design is accented with soft white feather detailing that adds lightness and contrast. A slightly deeper tonal... -
HAMPTON Coral Pink Wide Brim Derby Hat | Nigel Rayment
$300.00If you’re looking for a hat that feels both polished and eye-catching, the HAMPTON by Nigel Rayment in coral pink is one we consistently come back to for race day. The wide brim gives it that classic Kentucky Derby presence, while the sculpted... -
ASCOT Ivory & Navy Blue Hat for Kentucky Derby & Special Occasions | Nigel Rayment
$300.00Chic and sophisticated, the Ascot ivory and navy fascinator hat by Nigel Rayment is a refined choice for the Kentucky Derby and special occasions. Designed with a structured sinamay base, this elegant fascinator features sculptural loops, a dramatic bow... -
BELGRAVE Light Blue Wide-Brim Kentucky Derby Hat | Whiteley Fischer
$450.00Refined and effortlessly elegant, the Belgrave wide-brim hat by Whiteley Fischer in soft light blue offers a graceful statement for the Kentucky Derby and beyond. Designed in structured sinamay, this sophisticated silhouette features a sweeping wide...
Stand out from the crowd with Gold Coast Couture. Browse our selection of Kentucky Derby hats for sale. With different colors and styles, our selection of hats for the Kentucky Derby has exactly what you’ve been looking for. We’ve got all your favorite brands, too—The Niche Collection, Nigel Rayment, Herald & Heart, and many more. You’ll be able to choose from nearly any Kentucky Derby hat style to give you the perfect look, or wear them for a wide variety of occasions apart from horse races. You’ll love the look of our hats, which can complement the rest of your wardrobe. Our selection makes it easy to find the right hat for any occasion.
When you want Kentucky Derby style hats, you can find exactly what your heart desires here. Whether you prefer bold and bright shades, or neutral, subdued hats, you’ll be happy to see that both are beautifully represented in our latest collection. No matter what your preferred style, you’ll find something that is truly unique. Be the envy of all your friends—shop Gold Coast Couture’s Kentucky Derby hats for sale today!
Additionally, if you are heading out for a fancy event we have a hat for every moment. Check out our large inventory of wedding hats, fascinators, church hats, sun hats and more.
In addition to Kentucky Derby hats, you’ll be able to find a wide range of other types of hats for any event, including weddings. Regardless of your style, we have one of the largest selections of unique hats to match every look and personality. Browse our full selection of Kentucky Derby hats below and take a look at the rest of our website to find other styles along with unique accessories. We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for when you shop with us.
All about the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby or "The Run for the Roses" at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is undoubtedly one of the most famous horse races in the US and the first leg of the Triple Crown. While these three races were not connected when the Derby began in 1875, the frequency with which Derby winners went on to race in the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes led to sports writer Charles Hatton coining the term "Triple Crown" in 1930. But the Derby is much more than just a horse race.
In its first year the Derby drew close to 10, 000 to watch 15 three-year-old thoroughbreds sprint the 1.5 mile course. The length of the course was shortened to 1.25 miles the following year. However, attendance has done nothing but rise. The derby draws an average of 150,000 guests each year. Among the spectators are residents, tourists, public figures and even royalty. The wealthy and elite sit in "Millionaires Row" where they can view the "most exciting two minutes in sports" while partaking in the festivities. Whereas, those that are in the infield are unable to see much of the race, but still come to enjoy the party and people watch.
Traditions at the Kentucky Derby
Fancy Derby Hats And Mint Juleps
As much a social event as a sporting event just about everyone has heard of some Derby traditions such as the mint julep. The mint julep is the official drink of the Derby. It is mint leaves, bourbon & simple syrup served over ice usually in a commemorative Derby glass. The hats are another well-known Derby tradition. Inside Churchill Downs hats are worn by both men and women as much for fashion as for good luck. Women typically crown themselves with wide-brimmed Southern-Belle style hats, while men's hats are usually reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. The most important feature of a Derby hat is its originality. Out on the infield hats are not required, but are often still worn and come in all varieties.
Kentucky Derby Hats: Not Just For Women (But Mostly)
While both men and women traditionally wear hats, it's really the women that have the spot light. Sources differ as to whether the women should start their ensemble with the Kentucky Derby style hat or the dress, but either way -- it's the hat that is meant to be the highlight. They are typically wide brimmed and adorned with feathers, ribbons and/or flowers. This year, it is expected that we will see more fascinators amongst the hats due to their popularization by Kate Middleton.
Dress Attire At The Race
Dresses at the Derby range from sundresses to formal day suits, and have the goal of not detracting from the hat. Due to the wide range of weather that can be expected in Louisville a layered look is a wise choice. Women should also keep in mind that Churchill Downs has cobblestone pathways so while you might want to wear heels, bring a backup pair of flats. Men's fashion at the Derby is much simpler. In Churchill Downs suits are a must and the focus is on vibrant colors. Seersucker suits, brightly colored pants, and dress shirts in lively shades are all acceptable attire for the race.
Food At The Race
Another Derby tradition is eating Burgoo at the race. Burgoo is a thick stew made from beef, chicken, pork and vegetables. But Derby traditions are not just reserved for race day, oh no, there is a two-week festival leading up to the main event. The Kentucky Derby Festival kicks off with Thunder Over Louisville, the largest fireworks display in the world. It begins with a six hour acrobatic air show of over 100 planes and is followed by 28 minutes of fireworks. This opening ceremony for the Derby Festival began in 1990.
Other events at the Derby
Alternative Races
While it is the main event, the horse race isn't the only race in town for the Kentucky Derby. The Derby festival also has a Marathon and a miniMarathon for you athletes. The Marathon is 26.2 miles and the miniMarathon is 12 miles. These are two of the more popular Derby Festival events. The biggest and best, though, is the Pegasus Parade. It was the first event of the Festival and takes place on Broadway in downtown Louisville featuring floats, balloons, bands, celebrities and, of course, horses.
There is also steamboat and balloon races. The Steamboat Race takes place the Wednesday before the Derby on the Ohio River. The Great Balloon race is the culmination of the Great Balloon Festival, one of the newest Festival events taking place the weekend before the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Social Events And Parties
It's not just these events or the race itself that draw out society's elite. There are numerous black-tie events, receptions and after-hours parties. Any Derby-going foodie will want to be at the Taste of Derby. This red carpet affair features tastes from national horse racing destinations. Chefs from these locations travel to Louisville to serve their signature fare paired with wines from their regions. All while guest get to rub shoulders with racing celebrities. This event is also a fundraiser with proceeds going to hunger relief organizations. Drawing about 1,000 guests annually this event has raised over $163,000 for local hunger relief efforts as well as for the regions of participating chefs.
For the past 25 years the night before the Derby has been marked by the Barnstable Brown Party. This black-tie celebration is hosted by the Doublemint twins Patricia Barnstable Brown, Priscilla Barnstable, their mother and Patricia's son this has become the standard by which other Derby parties are measured. This event raises funds for diabetes research, treatment & education at the University of Kentucky. Many celebrities have attended the Barnstable Brown Party who sometimes even put on spontaneous music performances.
Another star-studded Derby Eve event is the black-tie optional Unbridled Eve Gala. After walking the red carpet guest enjoy a cocktail reception sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits brand partners. A silent auction benefiting a variety of charities and a gourmet dinner follow the reception. There is also a diverse array of live entertainment. Past celebrity guests at this event include Luke Bryan, Darren McFadden, Ron White and more.
The Julep Ball is also one of the longest running pre-Derby celebrations. Including a concert, a multiple course meal, an auction and dancing are the entertainment for this ball. Offering a more relaxed environment than many of the other galas the Julep Ball has a dress code of cocktail or track attire. Proceeds from this event benefit the Harriett B. Porter Endowment to support the health disparities in underserved communities in Louisville.
When the race is done and the winner draped in a blanket of roses, don't let that be the end of your day. Silks in the Bluegrass is one of the premier Derby after parties. Guests enjoy cocktails, dinner & live music all while helping Operation Open Arms, which helps children whose mothers are incarcerated.
