Louise Green – British born and raised, came to the US in 1984 and within three years became a milliner. Her hats began selling in Los Angeles, and she was described as the designer who promoted the resurgence of hats. Her business, Louise Green Millinery Company Inc., grew to serving finer boutiques and department stores across the US and worldwide. Her factory, located in West Los Angeles, CA, is one of the most successful millinery companies in the U.S. Louise Green has won Millinery Designer of the Year three times sponsored by the Headwear Information Bureau, the NY fashion Press. She will be at Rodes for Women in Louisville on April 15 and 16 and will be attending Hats for Hope on Thursday evening, April 14th. One of Louise’s creations will be featured on the Hats for Hope Winner’s Circle and will be eligible for bidding throughout the evening.

Judith Mishler is a long-time supporter of Hats for Hope. This year she designed and donated this colorful large hot pink and orange hat with pink and orange tulle with large hot pink feathers and a large orange mesh bow. The Judith M Millinery Supply House, located in LaGrange, IN, is celebrating its 17th year in 2011.

Annie deVuono has supported Hats for Hope for several years. This year, she has designed, milled, and donated a beautiful red piece which she titles “A Giant Peony.” Each of Annie’s hats is created and stitched by hand in her Seattle, WA retail location, deVuono Hats. Her work has been featured at Louisville’s Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.

Two Chicks and Company, located on Shelbyville Road in Middletown, KY, donated these two gorgeous Derby hats, and we appreciate them as long-term contributors to Hats for Hope. They have a great selection of gift items in their shop including many Derby themed items.

This is D&W Silks‘ first year to be a part of Hats for Hope. They have a beautiful selection of Derby hats at their Frankfort Avenue location and have donated this large black and white ultra braid Brenda Waites Bolling hat with a black and silver rhinestone lace braid band with same large black bow and large red roses and black feathers.

Jeanne Simmons Accessories of Vista, CA, is a loyal supporter and has donated this brown faux fascinator top hat complemented with netting and feathers on a black head band.

Maria Curcic-Strong, Canadian designer and owner of LeChapeauRouge, has supported Hats for Hope since 2008. Maria was born in Paris, France. Her pursuit of design led her to millinery where she apprenticed in Paris. Upon moving to Canada, she opened her boutique “Le Chapeau Rouge” in 1994. This year’s design – featured at the Kentucky Derby Museum for one year in 2009 – is this charming fascinator, and is quite a traffic-stopper. Made of 100% silk with red and black feathers and silk flower, it is a visual delight that sits on a black satin head band.

Angie Schultz, of Attitudes by Angie donated these five gorgeous hats. Learn more about Angie’s passion for hat making.

Nanz and Kraft is a loyal donor to Hats for Hope. There have been years when several of their locations donated numerous hats for our event. This beautiful pale pink hat with white geo mesh and pink blooms is a shoe-in for Oaks Day when Churchill Downs becomes the Pink Out.

But, if you are more of a cap girl than a hat girl, this is for you. The Nanz and Kraft staff will be wearing these Derby caps during the season. If you have a favorite cap, maybe a team cap, take it to the Nanz Kraft staff and let them create a “Derby cap” for Derby Day.

This beautiful ring will be on our Winner’s Circle for auction. It is a Ross-Simons Pave diamond ring in a Size 7. It was donated by one of our volunteers and will certianly be a popular auction item.

We received two new exciting gift packages this year including a dozen roses each month for one year from Lloyd’s Florist and a Compact Wine Cellar stocked with red and white wines from Diva’s.

Churchill Downs commissioned British artist, Lesley Humphrey, to be the 2011 Kentucky Derby and Oaks artist. The Oaks print is titled “Ladies First” and the Derby print is titled “Victory.” The prints alone are 22″ x 32″ and are identically framed. Each is signed by Ms. Humphrey. They make a smashing pair.