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______________________________ Current Auction Hat The
Derby Hat Collection by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® ______________________________
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Please join us once again for the The
Sixth Annual
For the sixth consecutive year, MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® of Cape Cod and Old Friends of Kentucky have teamed up again for an unparalleled online shopping experience that began November 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 Sally Faith Steinmann of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® to benefit the retired racehorses of Old Friends. The fifth hat up for bid in our auction series honors the Kentucky-bred multiple stakes-winning stallion and son of the great Seattle Slew, Williamstown, who ran one of the fastest miles in history in the 1993 Withers Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park. “Willie” retired at the age of 17 to Old Friends in 2007 having sired 15 stakes winners, including graded winner Vinemeister. The “Williamstown” hat is up for bid from February 1st through the 11th. _______________________________________________________________________________
Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, recalls becoming familiar with Williamstown long before he arrived at Old Friends. Blowen states, "I visited Williamstown many years ago at Saratoga when Pete Vestal trained him. I didn't dream that many years later, he'd be living with me. After a sterling racing career, Williamstown went to stud. After that, things get a bit murky. We were contacted by Frank Aubrey Insurance who told me that Williamstown needed some assistance and wondered whether he could come to Old Friends. I was thrilled and overjoyed. The great son of Seattle Slew lives right across from one of Secretariat's greatest sons, Tinner's Way, where he's often visited by his former owner, the thoughtful and generous, Peter Willmott." To read about this magnificent Thoroughbred athlete, please click on the photo below of Williamstown courtesy of EquiSport Photos.
Beth Shannon, a volunteer at Old Friends, states, “Williamstown is quite flashy with chrome on all four legs and a broad blaze that goes down to cover his whole muzzle. He's also got a vivid, distinctive eye much like Seattle Slew's other son, A. P. Indy - an eye with the white showing, like a human eye. Williamstown loves mints and ginger snaps. He is full of dignity and surprises; self sufficient but surprisingly friendly to those who are willing to take the time to get to know him.”
Indeed, an elegant, statuesque chapeau was needed to honor this beloved racing star and celebrate his life at Old Friends. The resulting design showcases Williamstown's black with white markings, his friendly personality and Peter Willmott Stable's racing silk colors of bright pastel yellow and deep purple plum. The foundation for the “Williamstown” hat was fashioned as a wide brim hat design out of black dupioni silk with a round, sheer silk organza crown.
A unique black silk organza overlayer adds dimension and elegance to the overall design and was created to be shaped as desired for added drama.
Three medium size rose curls, created out of alternating layers of deep yellow taffeta and two shades of yellow organza, adorn the front of the hat and spill down along the brim.
A medley of solid and textured plum purple organza leaves were fashioned to frame each of the roses.
For a final touch to the centerpiece, eight long, curvaceous “feathers” created out of black and white silk organza were set behind the rose curl centerpiece to frame the wearer's face beautifully.
A black and white striped ribbon band encircles the crown of the hat.
A black pebble button adorns the back and the wavy silk organza brim layer creates a stunning look from every angle!
The finished “Williamstown” design measures approximately 22 inches across, inclusive of the “feathers”.
As a physical remembrance of Williamstown, several strands of the stallion's tail hair were braided and woven into the trim of the hat, creating a unique, one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau that captures Williamstown not only in spirit but in substance as well. The purpose of this amazing millinery delight is to honor the life of Williamstown 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
Williamstown!
__________________________________________________________________________ The “Williamstown” chapeau is up for bid from February 1st through the 11th. To read more about Williamstown, 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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