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______________________________ Current Auction Hat The
Derby Hat Collection by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® ______________________________
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The
Tenth Annual
The
“Bint Marscay” Hat
__________________________________________________________________ For the tenth consecutive year, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® of Cape Cod and Old Friends of Kentucky are teaming up again for an unparalleled online shopping experience that began January 1st with their "Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby" auction. This unique Derby hat fundraiser is an annual event which features one-of-a-kind couture Derby hats created and donated by couture milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® to benefit the retired racehorses of Old Friends. The second hat up for bid for February in our “Hats Off” series for Old Friends pays tribute to Australian champion, Bint Marscay, who "beat the boys" in the 1993 Golden Slipper Stakes (G1) and whose Grade 1 winning daughter, Bollinger, is the dam of Louisiana Derby winner Friesian Fire. Sadly, “Binty” died on January 29, 2019 at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement in KY, where she had been retired since the Spring of 2013. The “Bint Marscay” chapeau is up for bid from February 1st through the 11th. All proceeds from the sale go to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement.
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Binty's very recent passing has been a difficult loss for everyone at Old Friends. Yet we wanted to celebrate her remarkable life and honor her as the great race mare and special equine Friend that she truly was. When I asked Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, his impression of Bint Mascay he responded, "Bint Marscay was the classy equine equivalent of Princess Grace, and Sally has incorporated these qualities of self-assurance, beauty and intelligence into this namesake chapeau. It's a stunning reminder and eternal tribute to her royal legacy."
Laura Battles, photographer for Old Friends, who was known as “Binty's special person” told me recently, "Binty was amazing. You couldn't ask for a kinder or wiser friend than her.”
Anyone who saw them together knew that the bond shared by Bint Marscay and Laura Battles was one-of-a-kind. Their devotion to one another knew no boundaries or conditions; the kind we all can aspire to in our own relationships.
Clearly, a very special one-of-a-kind hat was needed to honor these two amazing Ladies of Old Friends. The resulting hat design showcases Bint Marscay's bright chestnut coat, her racing silk colors of red, black and white, and her sweet spirit and athleticism. The foundation of the top hat design was created out of red dupioni silk.
A snow white gardenia, the symbol of deep, trusting, eternal love, seemed like the perfect trim centerpiece to celebrate the special relationship shared by Bint Marscay and Laura. With them both in mind, a single large flower, petals opened wide to catch the sun, was fashioned out of five layers of soft, white dupioni silk.
To showcase Bint Marscay's thrilling 1993 Golden Slipper win, a swirling floral jewel was created out of golden beads to form a shimmering center for the gardenia. The flower was then framed with a medley of lime green taffeta and organza leaves.
A large free form bow, fashioned out of chocolate veiling, was added to provide a stunning yet delicate “nest” for the bejeweled floral trim.
Five black and gold topstitched chocolate and black silk organza “feathers” were added for a final trim accent.
Next, a sash was created out of black and white polka dots to encircle the crown of the hat.
A large black, gold and white button was added to the back of the hat for the finishing touch.
The lining for the “Bint Marscay” hat was created from a rich, red satin to reflect Bint Marscay's chestnut coat.
The finished “Bint Marscay” hat design measures approximately 17 inches across, end to end including the organza “feathers”!
As a physical remembrance of Bint Marscay, several strands of her tail hair were braided and woven into the trim of the hat, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau that captures Bint Marscay not only in spirit but in substance as well.
The purpose of this amazing millinery delight is to honor the life of Bint Marscay and all of the horses who, thanks to the generosity of those who support their aftercare, now graze in the warm sunshine of Dream Chase Farm for the rest of their lives. "Sally Faith Steinmann's works of millinery art have raised thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of awareness for all these great retired athletes. Their stunning beauty and indescribable originality symbolize what one great artist can do to positively alter the lives of so many deserving athletes." - Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends Hats Off to you, Binty!
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___________________________________________________________________________________ To read more about Bint Marscay, the horse, please click on the following link - Featured Horse. __________________________________________________________________ Bid as many times and on as many hats as you like during this running auction. For further information about the eBay bidding process, please contact Old Friends at 502-863-1775. If you don't desire to place a bid on a hat, please contact Old Friends to see about what other ways you might be able to help out at Dream Chase Farm. Freight charges will be at the expense of the winning bidder. Winning bidders, please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery of your hat in order to ensure proper sizing. To view the couture Derby hats from previous auctions, please click on the following - Old Friends Hat Auction Portfolio.
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