It was a picture perfect day for the 83rd Iroquois Steeplechase with magnificent horses and gorgeous hats! This Nashville tradition is always a special day with my family and friends, and this was one for the record books. The weather was amazing, and the men and women were dressed to impress in their horse racing finery with proceeds benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
My longtime friend and milliner, Carol Carr of Palm Beach, created our custom hats with her special magic. These two pieces were actually pulled out of my collection and were originally worn in 2016.
I asked Carol about her inspiration for our hats, and here was her reply: “These hats were inspired by 3 pieces of fabric from my extensive collection of beloved fabrics and clothing, much of it vintage. Taylor’s top hat was created from a bold graphic Japanese t-shirt…a fabulous Italian floral velveteen from the 50's…and a strikingly simple embroidered raindrop pattern cut from a favorite skirt of mine. I wanted to create a bold PAIR of hats meant to be seen TOGETHER creating a color explosion and a photographic moment. I gave your lipstick pink large brim Panama hat texture with a group of multicolored hand dyed silk flowers and some drama with the sweeping delicate ombre feathers trailing behind. The colorful flowers on your hat paired nicely with the bold print on Taylor’s top hat. I was excited to create these for you!!!” As a fun addition to Taylor’s top hat, Carol placed a Boston Terrier dog printed on a piece of fabric stretched across the top that could only be seen from above or when he tipped his hat. It has always been a treat and an honor to wear Carol’s hats!
My photographer extraordinaire, Adrian Morales, snapped these photos!
Note: I am very proud to say I have two Carol Carr hats donated from my collection on display at the Tennessee State Museum that were added when I was inducted into their Costume & Textile Institute.
