Home | Kat In A Hat Millinery Co.

Bespoke Millinery · Kentucky & Georgia

Handcrafted hats for the bold, the elegant, and the beautifully untamed.

Rooted in traditional millinery techniques studied in France, Kat In A Hat creates sculptural, hand-blocked hats designed for race days, celebrations, and moments worth being noticed. Every piece is made in small batches — because true craftsmanship should never be rushed.

Katrina Papel-McMahan of Kat In A Hat Millinery Co.

Meet the Maker

Where craftsmanship meets storytelling.

Kat In A Hat Millinery Co. was founded on a love of old-world technique and modern expression. After studying millinery techniques in France with a master artisan, Katrina brought those traditional methods home — hand-blocking, couture finishing, and an uncompromising respect for materials.

Katrina believes millinery is an ever-evolving craft where she is perpetually a student. Learning from other milliners as well as independent studies, her love of the craft shows in every finished piece.

Read Her Full Story

The Derby Collection

La Belle Course

A Race Day At The Track collection inspired by elegance in motion. From refined silhouettes to bold Derby statements — each hat designed to turn heads without chasing trends. Limited quantities each season.

How To Work With Me

The Commission Journey

i.

Inquire

Share your event date, general vision, and a few details about you.

ii.

Design

We collaborate on materials, silhouette, and finishing details.

iii.

Handcraft

Your piece is hand-blocked and finished in the atelier.

iv.

Wear It

A hat as unique as you — kept as an heirloom.

In Their Words

Kind Words from Clients

★★★★★
“Bespoke!!! The word that comes to mind when describing my incredible fascinator, created for me by Katrina. I was drawn to her artistry style.”
Alison T. Kentucky Derby 2026
★★★★★
“Katrina made a fascinator that looked perfect with my dress — I got multiple compliments on it at the Kentucky Derby. It’s versatile enough to wear again. I love my one-of-a-kind piece.”
Ann Marie A. Kentucky Derby
★★★★★
“The craftsmanship is absolutely incredible. She listened to my personality and weaved me directly into my hat. I love the service, the detail, and the art. 100% Veteran approved.”
Josh F. Custom Western Commission

Ready to Begin?

You're the Kat's Meow.

Custom commissions are accepted on a limited basis each season. If you have an event on the horizon, let's talk about your vision.

Book a Consultation