Blog

How to dress for Kentucky Derby?

Posted on by Warped Mind Milliner

While the outfits and hats may range from elegant to outlandish, let’s talk about a few practical things, starting with the weather. On the first weekend of May, you may expect any type of weather in Louisville: balmy spring or early winter, sun or downpour, so be prepared and wear layers. Since you cannot carry an umbrella into Churchill’s Downs, you can pack a light poncho into your purse. Purse dimension cannot exceed 12 inches in each direction but that’s plenty to fit a pair of flip-flops or foldable flats. Some parking spots are a fair walk from the grounds and your feet will be grateful for the swap at the end of the day. In case it’s a warm day, think twice about a body-con dress and a shape-wear as it will feel like a hot iron after a while – opt for a loose spring style dress or a breathable suit.

The return of the Turban.

Posted on by Warped Mind Milliner
And you were born barely 2 years ago on a lovely Hawaiian island…

Dear Turban,


Welcome back.

Just like your owner, you’ve returned to your creator. Your assignment is done. You’ve been a stylish fighter against the coldness of sterile environments. You’ve been a master of disguise, embracing baldness as a synonym of pursuit. The pursuit of health, happiness, life. You were a trusted consigliere, battling against rashes and discolorations. With your perky updo, you fought fatigue, while your interior’s gentle touch helped to brave ever-increasing pain.

So even though now you are just a useless heap of fabric, thank you for all your hard work, you deserved this (way too) early retirement.

Welcome back.


Yours truly.

Making millions in millinery.

Posted on by Warped Mind Milliner

“I love your hat!”
“Thank you, I made it”
“You’ve made it ???!!!”
“Yes, I’m a milliner. “
“You are a millionaire?!”
“I wish! No, I’m a milliner – hat maker for women.”

So many of my introductory conversations follow this pattern. “Milliner” is a word known to a few passionate, while for many –  hat is a crumbled thing you can get for a few bucks in a major retail store. Most likely anonymous and made in a country where a person has to work very hard for very little money. 

If the conversation continues, I may flash a few photos of my recent creations. The responses vary: from a true appreciation of the artistic expression (” oh my gosh, this is like a sculpture!”), to a materialistic “how much for that one?” followed with “oh, that’s waaay too expensive I can get that for $10 at the major retail store “.

Sometimes, I explain why my prices are high- starting with the supply chain. The 5-7 days that it takes for an experienced weaver to create parasisal capeline. The millinery suppliers who travel around the world to find quality product created in a environmentally responsible and humanly manner.  And finally  me, the artist, putting my ideas into one and only hat that nobody else will have but you, Dear Customer. 

And sometimes, I just shrug. Because just like for Leonardo Da Vinci, the process of creation is more important to me, than the compensation. I’d rather wait for the right person to appreciate the art. 

And this is why, my friends, I’m might be rich in creativity, but poor in money from hats 🙂  How are you justify your prices, if at all?

The year of the hat – is there another one ahead?

Posted on by Warped Mind Milliner

Last year, we saw an increased interest in wearing hats. All thanks to the lovely #royalwedding. Much to the chagrin of the milliners around the world, there is no event of similar prestige planned this year. My hopes are high this year though – I see a lot of renewed interest from my customers. Even the runways this year show many interesting head coverings. From delicate Columbines from Stephen Jones for Dior, through big straw hats at Valentino’s Prêt-à-Porter to outrageous Thom Browne masks and watermelons.


Whatever your choice will be, stand taller with a hat on your head.

Below my 5 seconds of fame during the Royal Wedding press coverage