KATE & RACHEL
As the Featured Milliners of Kentucky Derby 149 and 150 and the Official Hat Designers of the Kentucky Derby Festival from 2016 to 2024, Kate and Rachel's The Hat Girls has earned a reputation for unparalleled elegance and innovation. For the woman seeking sophistication and unforgettable style, their millinery creations provide an exclusive opportunity to shine at the Kentucky Derby and other special events.
Lifelong friends from Louisville who met at duPont Manual High School, Kate and Rachel launched The Hat Girls in 2013 after returning from New York City and Las Vegas. The luxury millinery brand transforms headwear into wearable art, offering everything from classic southern belle Derby hats to avant-garde statement headpieces.
Beyond Derby designs, their expertise extends to fascinators, cocktail hats, and couture millinery pieces, ensuring women find the perfect accessory for weddings, garden parties, polo matches, and other special occasions. They have garnered a roster of celebrity clients who wear their creations to the Kentucky Derby and beyond. Their bespoke service allows clients to personalize each piece with a distinctive blend of materials, embellishments, and color palettes, crafting unique designs that range from timeless elegance to modern, edgy, and playful.
With fashion design training from Columbia College in Chicago, Kate Smith’s artistry is complemented by Rachel Carroll’s marketing expertise. Together, they seamlessly blend craftsmanship and creativity, offering sophisticated women the opportunity to express their unique style, no matter the occasion.