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hatsandsilkflowers2019

hatsandsilkflowers2019

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The story of Kentucky Derby hats — the wide-brimmed, straw fashion statements that ride into Churchill Downs each year atop the heads of well-heeled spectators — is a story of American enterprise. Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the founder of the Kentucky Derby, probably did not envision his success in terms of feathered hats and fascinators. But transforming the racetrack from a place of ill-repute to place of high-society—and therefore high fashion—is precisely what he had in mind. “Gambling and drinking went hand in hand, so [the pre-Kentucky Derby racetrack] was not a place for women and certainly not a place for children,” said Wendy Treinen, a spokeswoman from the Kentucky Derby Museum. Inspired by trips to London’s Epsom Derby and Paris’ Grand Prix — posh events that attracted an elegant crowd — Clark sought in the 1870s to transform American racetracks from places associated with immorality and vice to venues that might attract a wealthier, more noble set. With the help of his wife, he went on a campaign throughout Louisville, Ky. to convince his target clientele that the new race track was in fact a place for the upper-class.“He loaded up a wagon full of high society women and they were going door-to-door telling their friends, ‘We’re going to have a picnic at the racetrack,’” Treinen said. “He really tried to break down this [stigma].” At the time, the media speculated that if the track could be transformed into a place of fashion, all the investment that went into the world-class venue would pay off. And it did. More than 10,000 spectators attended the first Kentucky Derby on a sunny spring Monday in 1875. The New York Times reported that, “the grand stand was thronged by a brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen” and the center field was crammed with carriages. While it would be two more years before the first international celebrity would attend the race (Polish actress Helena Modjeska), it was viewed as a major success and paved the way for eve
Location: United StatesMember since: 01 October 2019

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Detailed seller ratings

Average for the last 12 months

Accurate description
4.9
Reasonable postage costs
4.8
Postage speed
5.0
Communication
4.8

All Feedback (67)

t***i (798)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past 6 months
Verified purchase
This hat is stunning! Thrilled that it arrived in time for my weekend function. This is an excellent eBay seller! Communication was positive as well!
s***e (810)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past month
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Fast Ship. Excellent eBay seller, fancy well constructed Derby Hat! Thank you
w***i (195)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past month
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Well packaged. As described
n***a (192)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past 6 months
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Just as described, quick shipping time.
l***a (304)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past 6 months
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Beautiful hat. Very well packaged, arrived with no damage at all.
c***9 (874)- Feedback left by buyer.
Past 6 months
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Order received exactly as described in excellent condition.
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