The top hat began to make an appearance in the late 17th century, with fashion norms shifting away from the knee length jacket called the justaucorps to the dashing frock coat. With it went the ...

Our "Let's Talk Derby with Kathryn & Kirby" video series explore the different types of hats men can wear to the Kentucky Derby.

At the time Mr. Cunningham was making the hats, some sold for $35 and others for $65, he wrote in his memoir, “Fashion Climbing.” Bids at the time of publication ranged from about $150 to $250.