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Thursday, April 27, 2000 Scene    FASHION    Hats off to Derby goers   JAMES CRISP | KERNEL STAFF   Turn some heads Kentuckians have already started getting their headgear together for the Kentucky Derby. Some people buy their hats while others choose to custom make their own. Los sombreros: The Kentucky Derby is famous for more than horses   Ashley York STAFF WRITER   The Kentucky Derby - America's premiere hat event.   Lucille Jackson, owner of Hunter's Hatters, said the calls started coming in last weekend from ladies trying to find the most important accessory for their Derby ensemble - their hat.   "Aside from the tradition in Kentucky, I think it is the time of year that women want to be festive and sophisticated," she said.   Where it's at Heads up on where to shop for your Derby apparel Mad Hatter 152 W. Main St. 252-6209 Hunter's Hatters 140 Deweese St. 252-6360 Elizabeth's Fashion Accessories Victorian Square St. 102 225-9156 The Boot Store 3090 Lexington Rd. 885-6629   Terry Grossman, owner of Mad Hatter Hat Shop, said people attending the Derby feel the pressure of choosing the perfect hat. He said he sells hats to spectators sitting on Millionaire's Row and to those who party on the infield.   Grossman admitted that spectators place more of an emphasis on what hat to wear, but for whatever reason the breeders, workers and partiers also take pride in their hats.   "The spectators are most concerned with the fashion, while the people who work with the horses are concerned with the hat that keeps the sun off of them," he said.   Grossman said buyers of hats go beyond the likes of spectators and breeders.   "The guy who starts the Derby by pushing the button has bought his hat from us for the last three years," he said.   Bonita Smith, owner of Elizabeth's Fashion Accessories, hopes her hat inventory will meet the demand of all the hat seekers this year.   "I hope that I can keep replenishing my inventory," she said. "This year (shoppers are different) because the women are looking for a more unique and different look."   Smith said the ladies this year are looking for both the elaborate and conservative look.   "The more unique the better," she said. "Ladies this year are buying a lot of florals and feathers."   Not only florals and feathers appeal to Derby goers this year. Smith said the western look's popularity captured many spectators' attention.   "The western look is strong this year. You will probably see a lot of cow, leopard and snakeskin articles at the Derby this year," Smith said.   Even though the Derby is primarily a woman's hat event, Smith said that without a hat your outfit is incomplete.   "For the ladies, it is a must to wear a hat on Derby day," she said.   Current Headlines Scene

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