Kentucky Derby Museum announces new lineup for 2025 Featured Milliner Program
Marking 100 days until Derby, KDM's Derby Season tours & tickets now on sale!
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 23, 2025) – With just 100 days until the 151st Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby Museum proudly unveils the five talented milliners selected as KDM Featured Milliners for the 2025 season. The 100-day mark is also the perfect occasion to launch a special retail promotion and ticket sales for the museum's Derby Season tours and events.
KDM 2025 Featured Milliner Program
After creating a new application portal last summer, the museum received dozens of applications from all over the U.S. and Europe hoping to secure a coveted spot in the Featured Milliner Program. The five selected artisans will play a pivotal role in showcasing the elegance and creativity that define Derby fashion.
In its ninth year, the Featured Milliner Program highlights the museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Kentucky Derby®. As the museum marks its 40th anniversary, it recognizes the vital role that milliners have played in Derby tradition.
In alphabetical order, the 2025 KDM Featured Milliners are:
- Mary Julia Kaiser, Derbyologie Owner
- Ilana Kogan, The Hat Doctor Owner
- Christine A. Moore, Christine A. Moore Millinery Owner
- Jenny Pfanenstiel, Forme' Millinery Co. Owner
- Jessica Schickli, Hat Haven Owner
These milliners will showcase their designs at the Derby Museum Hat Show on Sunday, March 23, featuring up to ten unique creations each, modeled on the runway. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to sell their hats and fascinators through the Derby Museum Store. Tickets to the Hat Show are now on sale online.
MEDIA NOTE: Headshots for the 2025 Featured Milliners and visual assets from the 2024 Hat Show can be downloaded from the museum's Dropbox link. All Hat Show images require a courtesy for the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Derby Season Tours & Events
Tickets are now on sale for the museum's exclusive 2025 Derby Season tours and special events. Kentucky Derby Museum is the official tour provider of Churchill Downs, and the 2025 Derby Season tours provide guests with an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience.
- Derby Season Barn & Backside Tour (Includes keepsake booklet for all guests)
- Derby Contenders Workout Tour (Includes keepsake booklet for all guests)
- Down the Stretch! Tour (Includes gift bag with Derby mementos)
- Derby Legends Experience (Includes gift bag with Derby mementos)
Kentucky Derby Museum will be hosting fan-favorite annual events along with special celebrations unique to its 40th anniversary. All the events will give guests an immersive experience jam-packed with excitement and Derby magic.
- March 12: Legends Series with Angel's Envy (Be the first to purchase the specialty KDM 40th anniversary bottle)
- March 23: Derby Museum Hat Show (VIP tickets include a swag bag and front row seating)
- April 10: VIP Movie Premiere for The New Greatest Race (KDM is turning 40 with a red carpet party)
- April 25: Annual Kentucky Derby Museum Ball & Backstretch Party, presented by Central Bank & Trust (Celebrate KDM's Ruby Jubilee!)
- April 30: Biscuits & Bourbon, sponsored by Angel's Envy (Brunch and a day at the races)
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Kentucky Derby Museum would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting the 2025 Derby Museum Hat Show:
Contributing Sponsors: Davis Jewelers // Doves by Doron Paloma // Hotel Genevieve
Supporting Sponsors: MPC Promotions // Rivergreen Cocktails // Tito’s Vodka
Media Sponsor: Sophisticated Living