LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Last summer Dee’s Louisville closed their doors after 52 years. The popular store was known for making custom Derby fascinators, hats and other accessories.
Now Derby goers are looking elsewhere for their one-of-a-kind race-day attire.
Anna’s Additions in Lyndon has been busy ahead of their first Derby season with a storefront. That means lots of days of creating, decorating and designing for store owner Anna Bunting.
“We have hats and fascinators, and hatinators. We have all types of gifts — Derby gifts, hostess gifts,“ said Bunting.
Anna’s Additions is creating more than 2,000 hats and fascinators for Derby goers this year. The shop has been open for less than a year, but Bunting is no stranger to hats.
“I’ve made hats for about 20 years now. Actually, my grandmother used to make hats, and she taught me how to do that. I used to operate out of my basement. And it’s nice to now have a huge workshop with a retail area in the front,” said Bunting.
Her shop offers custom creations to match any outfit.
“This client — they have a solid blue dress and we wanted to make it fun for her. She brought in the shoes she was wearing. So we created this fascinator to make her outfit very special and unique,” said Bunting.
It’s an experience many shoppers are looking for.
“You bring your dress in, or maybe you’re smarter than that and you go with the hat first, then buy the dress. But they’re very helpful, going through the process to see what fits your face, what fits the style that you’re wearing that day. So, I think it’s very personalized,” said customer Charmaine Corrie.
They spend hours on each fascinator, center-piece, and pocket square, making each one a work of art.
“I have nine fabulous designers that work with me and they all complete as many hats as I do. They are just absolutely incredibly talented, and I’m so blessed to have them on my team,” said Bunting.
All in order to make sure customers are ready for race day.
Along with custom derby accessories, Anna’s Additions also offers Christmas decorating services for the Louisville area.