The pounding hoofs, flowing cocktails, smell of turf and heavy traffic are all calling cards of the Del Mar Race Track. But nothing says Del Mar lifestyle better than an ostentatious hat.
When Bing Crosby opened gates in 1937, the Del Mar Race Track inspired glamour in its guests. Today that tradition lives on in the One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest, inspiring San Diego women to sport outrageous or elegant hats on Opening Day.
Many who attend with headgear care not of the competition, and simply embrace this modern opportunity to wear extravagant hats without judgment. Others dress to win. Either way, these women thoroughly scour San Diego hat shops for the headdress that eloquently displays their personal style. This year that mid-summer feat will prove much simpler with Katy Stockinger on the scene.
Redefining the Del Mar look with custom designed hats, Katy is creating true works of art through her millinery. Ranging from a green polka dotted visor with a bird nest atop it to a three foot structure of six hats decreasing in size, any woman clad in Stockinger design is genuine competition.
Originally from Minnesota, Katy’s artistic abilities arrived in San Diego three years ago after a stint in Europe. Although a commissioned artist for some time, Katy did not begin her custom hat construction until last year when she got a late start to her own hat search. “Everything was picked over and the only hats left were boring and overpriced so I decided to make one.”
After ending up in the news and receiving numerous compliments, inquires and requests, Stockinger presented her designs to the public. Her hats are now sold at events, online and through studio appointments, and will soon be offered in San Diego boutiques.
Insider Tip: On Tuesday, July 14, Katy’s designs will strut down a Basic runway for a special edition of Live Art at Basic Tuesdays, and will be available for purchase after the fashion show. Get details here.
Once you’ve acquired a Katy Stockinger cap, the designer recommends dressing minimal. “Most of my hats have a lot of detail and are meant to be the focal point of the ensemble, so I like to see them worn with a simple feminine dress with little or no pattern.”
After browsing through her online photo gallery you would agree. Eccentric womanly glamour oozes from each meticulous hat, sure to take the already extravagant racing fashion scene up ten notches.
In addition to maintaining balance between hat and dress, Katy advises to “think fresh and feminine” when preparing for Opening Day at Del Mar. “Bring a great pair of sunglasses and wear comfortable heels. No sneakers, no flip-flops. Wedges are a great compromise.” As many Del Mar enthusiasts know, a day at the races involves more than fabulosity and a smart De Margarita. Extreme heat, prolonged standing and quick sand grass for those invited to the paddock are all consequences of San Diego’s famous event. Weather appropriate garb and utilitarian trimmings are essential to an enjoyable time at the track.
Outside of the Del Mar fashion scene, Katy continues the trend of unique accessories with simple well-fitting clothing on a less zealous level. A resident of Ocean Beach, Katy declares Dream Girls her favorite clothing boutique and appreciates the different looks in each of San Diego’s barrios. “La Jolla, North Nark, Pacific Beach … I bet that most people would be able to match the girl with the neighborhood based on her fashion sense.”
No matter the San Diego neighborhood you hail from, the Del Mar Race Track gives us women the opportunity to dress to the nines without having to take ourselves too seriously. At the Del Mar Race Track old Hollywood glitz, shock and creativity trump today’s fashion rules. As Katy says, “There’s no better time to experiment with fashion and get away with it.”
Opening Day at Del Mar Race Track is Wednesday, July 22. Discover more in: New and Notable at 2009 Del Mar Race Track Season.
View more Katy Helen designs at katyhelen.com.
Discover more of the best boutiques and malls in San Diego in our shopping directory and keep up to speed on style trends in our shopping blog. For more fashion advice or a wardrobe consultation with a personal stylist, visit vanessavaliente.com.
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