In anticipation of our Kentucky Derby Couture Event, we wanted to feature a designer that doesn’t just make flawless fashion, but loves the fashions of Kentucky Derby as much as we do. Arturo Rios creates gorgeous headpieces for celebrities and socialites for the annual event, and is our designer of choice for our very own Kentucky Derby party. We talked with Arturo about what he loves about designing, and a little bit about his career; chatting with him about what inspires him, in turn, inspires us. He already has the ‘Lady Gaga approved’ fashion stamp, but he’s earned one of our PUREfourhundred favorite designer spots as well.
How did you start designing? In 2003, I met Italian hat designer, Karen Indreland. I started working with her, not as a hat designer, but helping her at studio. That was where I was introduced to the hat world and where I learned many techniques and I fell in love with it. Years later I was designing for her, but in 2007 she retired and I decided to start my own business and since then I’ve been making hats for women around the world.
Describe a highlight in your career: I think everything I’ve done since I decided to open my studio has been a great success. The demand from the press featuring my hats for different magazines has been great and celebrities wearing my hats on the red carpet, and for music videos and other media, I’m really thankful for that. Three weeks ago I had the opportunity to have one of the biggest stars in the world wear one of my headpieces on her music video; Lady Gaga. I always wanted her to wear one of my hats and it took some time, but it finally happened, and last week she wore three more hats at one of her New York concerts.
What do you love about designing hats? I think art is an expression and I consider making hats as an art. I love selecting the fabrics and feel their texture. I like finding beautiful and colorful feathers, delicate silk flowers, trims etc. I love the process of designing from zero until the last feather is placed on the hat. I really enjoy it-it’s fun!
What do you think makes the Kentucky Derby fashion scene so unique? It is the super bowl for hat lovers. It is all about the hats but also the dresses, shoes, bags and jewelry. Ladies plan what to wear months in advance. It’s elegant and chic but also a fun occasion because the Kentucky Derby only happens once a year.
