Son Inspires Simply-Laura Derby Hats

Son Inspires Simply-Laura Derby Hats: Fashionable hats and fascinators remain a tradition at the Kentucky Derby. With the prestigious race approaching in May at Churchill Downs, attendees will want to consider their headwear options as soon as possible.

Choosing the right milliner and hat are important factors to consider for Derby attendees. Laura Moser, owner of Simply-Laura in Louisville, sells Derby hats out of her home on the southern end of town.

Some hesitation existed to start the business, but the death of her 30-year-old son, who loved cooking and worked as a chef, helped Moser realize that chances in life must be taken now. Moser and her husband C.D. left their careers at American Airlines.

“It really opened my eyes to say, life’s too short. You’ve just got to go for it,” she said.

For the racing world, the first Saturday in May works as a “prom” where social elites gather not only to wager on horses, but display fashionable attire. Derby-goers get one chance to make an impression to a significantly large racetrack crowd.

One chance.

Although Moser has been making Derby hats for years, Simply-Laura officially began on Jan. 1.

“About three years ago, I had family members and friends ask me to make hats,” she recalled. “Last year, I ended up making quite a few hats for them.”

Eventually, Moser’s work was used at a garden party fundraiser for the National Mall and a boutique store at the Virginia Gold Cup (steeplechase event). The most important feedback though came from various trips to the racetrack.

“This has happened for the past three or four years,” C.D. Moser said. “When you go into the track, you have to get a wristband. So there’s a line there. Lady after lady as we’re standing in line asked ‘Where did you get that hat? You ought to make those for a living.’”

“Of course, on Oaks and Derby days, ALL the ladies have hats on. I thought it was interesting they came to her. They obviously saw her style of hats as something that is very desirable.”

As word catches on, Moser hopes to expand beyond just the Triple Crown races.

“There’s other versions of racing where women are starting to incorporate hats in those races,” she explained.

“They have fall steeplechase races in Virginia, Maryland and New York. Down in the south, women are starting to wear those hats to church. Plus, there’s a huge market for hats in New Orleans.”

“Having just launched in January, the Derby is my focus. After, I hope to make some visits (to different states).”

Moser pours her heart and soul into making every hat, including pre-made and custom-tailored versions.

“I purchase the base hat and then I decorate it,” she said. “Somebody can send a picture of them and their dress. I can then make a hat that coordinates to what they’re wearing and their personality.”

“Do they want a wide brim? Do they want to go all-out big, huge hat or sophisticated? I tend to be a little more reserved in my styling, but I can do both.”

Encouraging fashionable attire was originally done before the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 to promote a higher-class gathering where racetrack-goers can mingle in a safe atmosphere. Moser agrees the air becomes slightly different in nicer clothing.

“It creates the illusion of Royal Ascot,” she said.

“Some friends tell me ‘Oh, we can’t wear a hat to the Derby.’”

“All it takes is the confidence to wear it.”

Moser also hopes to open her own retail store, where she will sell not only headwear, but other fashion accessories as well. For this reason, she refrained from using the word “hats” in the brand name.

One place in particular has kept her interest as a potential future store location. To help keep it available, the location will not be revealed in this article.

“The store my grandmother used to work at … it is out of business,” Moser explained.

Yet, her grandmother’s spirit is there today, at least according to rumor.

“She keeps the space open so that I can lease it for my shop.”

With time and effort, this dream may happen. For now, Moser works from the lower floor of her house in a room surrounded by inspirational pictures and writings.

Before leaving the Moser household and ending the interview, she was asked about her favorite restaurant in Louisville. She mentioned feeling inspired to cook at home more often, because it is what her son did throughout his life.

Visit Simply-Laura at www.simply-laura.com, Facebook and Instagram.

The Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby fall on May 6 and 7 respectively this year. Do not be the only one at Churchill Downs without a fancy hat or fascinator! Laura Moser will make a fabulous hat for men and women to impress everyone.