The Kentucky Derby may still be a few months away (it takes place on May 5th), but for the men and women who design those infamous race day hats the heat is on. Are you familiar with the tradition that surrounds Derby Day hats? Women don’t just wear hats at the Kentucky Derby. Rather, the head hiding, feather-festooned, flowery creations are flaunted like wedding cakes perched proudly on a female’s noggin.
When it comes to Kentucky Derby headgear, high style is the only way to go. The hats are artistic masterpieces—haute couture for heads. They are big, bold… and expensive (many sell for $1,000 or more). Of course, when you are trying to make a statement, money is no object.
Women who don the creative chapeaus want to be noticed… and so do the designers who painstakingly attach each and every bead, bangle, and bauble to the fancy hats. If you are someone who would rather be known for creating the one-of-kind headpieces than for wearing them I have great news for you.
A leading car manufacturer has just announced a way you can hit the big time with your latest fashion creation. “Hats Off to the Derby,” is a nationwide hat design competition which combines the high fashion and style associated with the Kentucky Derby in a fun contest where the top three finalists win tickets to the derby to show off their winning designs. The grand-prize winner will be named in Louisville, during Kentucky Derby weekend and will receive an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible.
You can get contest details by clicking here. The contest is open to anyone who can design an original hat that that “captures the essence of the Kentucky Derby and the sophistication of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible.” You may also want to hone your writing skills too. The contest requires entrants to pen a 100-word description on how the styling of the car inspired the hat design. And, don’t worry if you don’t have the finances to bring your sketch to life. If you are chosen as one of the five finalists you will receive seed money and a swatch of the Sebring Convertible’s soft-top material to compete for the grand prize. (A portion of the convertible fabric must be used somewhere in the finished hat.)
Taking a cue from “American Idol,” the public will get a say in who makes it to the finals. Online voters can chose their favorite hat designs when the quarter-finalist entries are posted on the contest website next month.
Be sure to leave a comment if you decide to take on the Derby Day hat challenge. And, good luck!
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