New application portal open for 2025 Kentucky Derby Museum Featured Milliner Program
Interested milliners encouraged to apply by deadline: October 18, 2024
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (September 13, 2024) – Milliners and hat makers are encouraged to submit applications on the Kentucky Derby Museum’s new online portal to secure one of the five coveted slots available for the upcoming 2025 Featured Milliner Program.
The museum has always been dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby®, and with it, the Derby’s most storied traditions. As the museum celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, it is taking the time to spotlight one of the cornerstones of Derby history: the fashion.
From archival clothing pieces on display in exhibits dating back to the 1860s, to Louisville’s most anticipated spring runway show, to an immersive hat-making experience for guests, and the maturation of the Featured Milliner Program – now in its 9th year – the museum has a rich history of shining the spotlight on fashion in Louisville.
“Over the past 40 years, we’ve had a front-row seat to the explosion of new, local talent in the millinery community, so this is the perfect time to revamp the milliner program in a way that uplifts this artform,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President & CEO.
As a nonprofit, the museum is looking for milliners who will align with its mission to engage, educate, and excite everyone about the Derby. For those selected to be part of the 2025 Featured Milliner Program, the partnership will include the following benefits:
- Participation in the Derby Hat Show in March 2025, which includes up to ten designs per milliner modeled on the runway, along with a display space to sell merchandise.
- Opportunity to sell hats and fascinators on consignment at the Museum Store and online.
- Prominent feature on the museum’s website.
- Placement on the museum’s social media channels.
- Opportunity for media attention.
“Over the years, the museum has been approached by countless people hoping to be selected as a Featured Milliner,” said Lauren Baldwin, Kentucky Derby Museum Director of Development. “This inclusive process provides a new way for us to highlight fresh talent each year and keep the lively legacy of Derby fashion alive.”
If selected for the program, milliners must agree to certain terms and conditions. The specifics of the contract are outlined in detail on the museum’s website. Interested milliners can apply through the museum’s new portal until October 18, 2024.
The 2025 Featured Milliners will be notified in December 2024, and the public announcement will be made in January 2025.
MEDIA NOTE: Visual assets from the 2024 Derby Hat Show can be downloaded from the museum's Dropbox. All images must include a courtesy for Kentucky Derby Museum.
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