Wisconsin
A Kentucky Derby hat topped with cheese? Is the ‘Fromaginator’ the new look for 2025?
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- Wisconsin Cheese has partnered with milliner Christine A. Moore to create the “Rinds & Roses Collection” for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
- The collection features six hats inspired by different types of Wisconsin cheese, adorned with silk roses and other non-edible materials.
- Woodford Reserve bourbon has also collaborated with milliner Gigi Burris for a separate hat collection honoring the Kentucky Derby.
First came the wide-brimmed hat, then the fascinator, followed by the hatinator. Now the Fromaginator is taking a run at headpiece fashion at the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Part cheese board, part couture, the fantastical “Fromaginator” is a bold new expression of flavor, flair, fun and Kentucky Derby Day decadence.
As a partner of the 2025 running of the Kentucky Derby, Wisconsin Cheese has released the Rinds & Roses Collection— a whimsical collaboration with the Kentucky Derby’s premier milliner, Christine A. Moore. The collection transforms six award-winning cheeses into showstopping headwear, merging Wisconsin’s artisan craftsmanship with high fashion in a delightfully unexpected way.
“As cheese experts, we know a thing or two about high-quality pairings,” Suzanne Fanning, chief marketing officer at Wisconsin Cheese, said in a news release. “The Kentucky Derby and Wisconsin Cheese are both cultural icons known for tradition and excellence. We created this collection for both Derby fans and cheese lovers, so anyone — at the track or at home — can celebrate in style with a ‘Fromaginator’ of their own.”
The limited-edition collection honoring Wisconsin’s world-renowned cheesemakers looks good enough to eat but it’s best that you don’t. The handmade headpieces feature Moore’s signature hand-rolled silk roses, imitation cheeses and other non-edible materials.
“Creating a collection of Wisconsin Cheese ‘Fromaginators’ for the Kentucky Derby sent my imagination soaring — it’s a true fusion of fashion and flavor,” Moore said in the release. “I was especially inspired by the beautiful and unique rinds — they’re works of art, and taste as amazing as they look.”
The Rinds & Roses Collection retails for $1,500 to $3,000 and will be available starting Friday at WisconsinCheese.com/RindsAndRosesCollection.
Additionally, one Fromaginator will be auctioned off at the star-studded Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, named one of the 10 best parties in the world by Condé Nast. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at the University of Kentucky.
These indulgent, eye-catching hats are sure to turn heads at Churchill Downs — because nothing says luxury like a perfectly aged cheese paired with a smooth Kentucky bourbon.
Speaking of bourbon, Woodford Reserve has also announced its collaboration with renowned milliner Gigi Burris to debut a luxurious, artisanal collection of hats for the Kentucky Derby. The collection includes three styles of hat for women, a men’s fedora and a bespoke unisex rose lapel pin.
The collection’s colors of molasses, white, mahogany, caramel, and toffee, and pay homage to the warm, rich tones of Woodford Reserve bourbon. Customers can explore the collection at Gigi Burris Millinery.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.