"Limeade” was the winning hat in the Kentucky Derby Hat Contest

Hat designer Gena Conti’s chapeau, “Limeade,” was chosen as the hat that most represented the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.

The “Limeade hat” is topped with lime, burgundy and white crushed printed chiffon fabric with matching band. The brim is seven inches wide and has four layers of yellow primrose sinamay with embroidered tulle and vintage Russian burgundy veiling. Hand cut painted turkey feathers, silk and velvet flowers with quills are also atop this creation.

The hat will be part of the Derby Hat Exhibit (there are 20 to 30 hats in the whole exhibit) that runs until June 2007. You can view the award winning chapeau, “Limeade,” at http://www.genaconti.com/Limeade.htm.

Conti and her hats: A Woman and Her Passion