Our Featured Milliners program is a lively celebration of the rich tradition and playful spirit of Derby fashion. This program is where the art of hat-making meets the magic of the Derby, shining a spotlight on milliners whose creations are more than just accessories - they’re iconic pieces of Derby history. Each creation tells a story, and through our partnership, we keep the lively legacy of Derby fashion alive, ensuring that every Derby day is as stylish and spirited as the last.
Our 2025 Featured Milliners
Christine A. Moore hails from the fashion capitol of the country, New York City, but she is no stranger to Kentucky. She has been a Featured Milliner for the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve for many years and now joins the Kentucky Derby Museum’s Featured Milliner group as well. Previously, Moore has been recognized as the official milliner for the Breeders’ Cup, the Iroquois Steeplechase and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, as well as featured designer at the Preakness Stakes, Keeneland, and the Florida Derby. Her uniquely-crafted designs have been worn by countless celebrities and media personalities including Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Al Roker and Deborah Roberts.
The Hat Doctor is more than just a fun name for a millinery business. Ilana Kogan, owner and sole milliner, is also a full-time radiologist! Kogan is originally from New York City and moved to Kentucky in 2005 to attend the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Her business began when she started creating Derby hats for her medical school classmates by reconstructing and embellishing hats on students’ budgets. Now, years later, her handmade, one-of-a-kind designs showcase her love for creative silhouettes and delicately embroidered details. The Hat Doctor designs have been featured in The Voice of Louisville, Tops Magazine, Today’s Woman, Elizabethtown Lifestyle and Garden & Gun Magazines.
Jenny Pfanenstiel, Master Milliner, and owner of Formé Millinery in Louisville, Judith M Millinery Supply in La Grange, and The Hat Shoppe in Louisville is internationally recognized for her award-winning craft of hand creating and sculpting hats using traditional millinery techniques that date back centuries. She is a world-renowned educator, artist, author of the book The Making of a Milliner and entrepreneur. She is a 5x Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs and an 9x Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Jenny has collaborated with an array of companies to create hats for their collections and productions, including co-branded collections with Vineyard Vines, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, J Peterman and the Joffrey Ballet to name a few. In 2019, Jenny was awarded the highly prestigious honor of being named a Tory Burch Fellow of the Tory Burch Foundation, which honors women entrepreneurs across the country. She is an ambassador for the Tory Burch Foundation and today mentors other entrepreneurs across the country. In 2024, Jenny was honored as an Enterprising Woman from Louisville Business First, which honors professional women who are making a difference in business and in the community. The making of hats is a craft Jenny has come to admire and respect, and for which she has a true passion and, with that, she has a desire to continue a tradition that is by no means forgotten.
Jessica Schickli, a second-generation milliner and owner of Hat Haven, has been creating unique headwear that perfectly captures the elegance and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. With more than 25 years in the business and over 5 years specializing in custom Derby hats, every hat is a labor of love, meticulously handcrafted to reflect the individual style of each client. Her commitment to quality is demonstrated in every detail, from hand-stitching and intricate embellishments, to custom dyeing and unique trimmings. Several of her pieces were highlighted in the inaugural Kentucky Derby Style Guide. Her winning selection in the Derby 150 Fashion Contest is now a part of the Kentucky Derby Museum’s permanent collection. Other headpieces have been featured in The New York Times, People Magazine, Business First, The Seattle Times, The Voice Tribune, and on the heads of numerous celebrity clients. As the proud successor of a family tradition, Jessica continues to blend time-honored techniques with innovative designs, ensuring every hat is a reflection of her clients personal style and expression.
Louisville-native Mary Julia Kaiser, is owner and designer of derbyologie—a line of show-stopping fascinators featuring a spectrum of styles from graceful to gutsy! Raised in the Bluegrass, a love for all things Derby started young, dating back to the quintessential Kindergarten Derby. Inspired by Kentucky’s southern charm and Brooklynn’s urban flare, hat designs mesh the traditional millinery materials with modern textures. Generous feathery, imported fabrics & hand sewn details create a signature artisan flavor.
Derbyologie has been tickled to dress the heads of clients at the Royal Ascot in London, Queen’s Tea in London, Melbourne Cup in Australia and countless locals (with really great taste). And, sure is having a ball doing it!