LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville-based hatmaker Jenny Pfanenstiel is the newest Featured Milliner for Kentucky Derby 147. 

Pfanenstiel is the Master Milliner and owner of Formé Millinery in downtown Louisville and her works are renowned throughout the world.

The award-winning craftsman sculpts her hats by hand using materials she finds all over the world. Pfanenstiel uses traditional millinery techniques but is also known for using a braiding machine from the 1800s. 

In a statement from Churchill Downs, Pfanenstiel says, "As a milliner who respects the storied history of my own craft, it is thrilling to partner with an iconic and historic event like the Kentucky Derby.” Pfanenstiel added, “The tradition of hats at the Derby is just one of the distinctive things that make it such a sensational spectacle and it is an honor to collaborate on one-of-a-kind pieces that add to the beauty and special memories associated with America’s Greatest Race.”

Some of the most famous and recognized women and men around the world have worn Pfanenstiel's creations, including Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Neil Diamond, Madonna, and Oprah Winfrey.

Being an Official Milliner isn't new for Pfanenstiel. She is the Official Milliner of the Kentucky Derby Museum and a Featured Milliner of the Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Ky. She has created collections for vineyard vines, Covet Fashion Style App, J Peterman, American Express, Goodman Theatre, and the Joffrey Ballet and is a hat designer for McCall Patterns. She is also the author of the book, “The Making of a Milliner.”

In the same release, Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs said, “The artistry and talent that she pours into each design contribute in a memorable way to the overall ambiance of The Run for the Roses.”