Millinery, Feminism and an Interview with a Doyenne

Millinery, Feminism and an Interview with a Doyenne

Dec 6, 2025 | COLLECTIONS, HISTORY, MILLINERY, REFERENCE, TECHNIQUE

The Millinery Shop, Edgar Degas created between 1879 and 1886. It is one in a series of 27 paintings by Degas about millinery.

Pre World War II

We sat down with a veteran milliner Irene Arroyo from California Millinery Supply and talked about millinery from her decades-long career supplying the best of haute couture designers. Her insights are both detailed and expansive.

"Millinery almost disappeared entirely after WWII. Formal dress for social occasions disappeared overnight. " Ms. Arroyo says. "Before, you wouldn't dare come Downtown without being dressed."

This is a deep understanding of millinery from a professional. And what she has to say about Feminism still rings true.

"It was a throwing off of all decorative devices."

Few people know millinery and its power as well as our vendor.

There is a "millinery resurgence," though. We can see it at special events, awards shows, music videos and on celebrities. Arturo has worked with some of the most prominent celebrities and socialites to prepare them for a grand entrance.

How We Appear

Millinery is not an isolated art form. It conveys more than style. It announces your grace and beauty. Wearing an Arturo Rios hat assures that you can walk into any venue and be the center of attention with grace and elegance.

We've selected the finest silk veils that exist. We're excited about this new collection. It offers bold, new ways to distinguish your personal grace and beauty with confidence. We'll make an announcement to our clients as soon as we finish the details and photo shoot.

We welcome your feedback, ideas and comments. Stay tuned!

Details Matter 

There is a little known millinery adornment: millinery berries.

They offer a wonderful focal point and enhance any haute couture ensemble. They shine, playfully. Joyously and distinguish a haute couture hat from others.

Millinery berries are constructed of aged,  spun cotton with hollow cores. They are coated in a deep lacquer which offers a dazzling impression.

The chenille velvet dots used on the veils are placed individually, which is a very detailed and delicate process.

 

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.

Colors: RED & ORANGE & YELLOW

Colors: RED & ORANGE & YELLOW

Dec 4, 2025 | COLOR, DESIGN

RED

Red is the color at the long wavelength end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet.

Reds range from the brilliant yellow-tinged scarlet and vermillion to bluish-red crimson, and vary in shade from the pale red pink to the dark red burgundy.

Red pigment made from ochre was one of the first colors used in prehistoric art. The Ancient Egyptians and Mayans colored their faces red in ceremonies; Roman generals had their bodies colored red to celebrate victories. It was also an important color in China, where it was used to color early pottery and later the gates and walls of palaces.

In the Renaissance, the brilliant red costumes for the nobility and wealthy were dyed with kermes and cochineal. The 19th century brought the introduction of the first synthetic red dyes, which replaced the traditional dyes.

Modern surveys in Europe and the United States show red is also the color most commonly associated with heat, activity, passion, sexuality, anger, love, and joy. In China, India, and many other Asian countries it is the color symbolizing happiness and good fortune.

No products were found matching your selection.

ORANGE

Spirituality and enlightenment: In Buddhism and Hinduism, orange robes are worn by monks, and the color symbolizes the highest state of spiritual knowledge and illumination.

Happiness, love, and creativity: In Chinese and Japanese cultures, orange can represent happiness, love, and good fortune. In Eastern philosophy, the orange chakra is associated with creativity.

Royalty and nationhood: In the Netherlands, orange is the color of the royal family, the House of Orange, and is a symbol of national identity.

Courage and warmth: Japanese culture also links orange to courage. In Western cultures, it can represent warmth, autumn, and harvest.

Protest and activism: In Ukraine, the color became a symbol of protest during the Orange Revolution. The United Nations' "Orange the World" campaign uses the color to raise awareness for gender-based violence.

Other meanings
Mourning and loss: In some parts of the Middle East, orange is associated with mourning.

Warning and caution: In the United States and other countries, its high visibility makes it a common color for hazard cones and life vests, while also being associated with Halloween.

Prison uniforms: In the United States, the color can be associated with prison uniforms. 

YELLOW

In late summer, as daylight hours shorten and temperatures cool, the veins that carry fluids into and out of the leaf are gradually closed off. The water and mineral intake into the leaf is reduced, slowly at first, and then more rapidly.

Carotenoids are common in many living things; they give the characteristic color to carrots, maize, daffodils, rutabagas, buttercups and bananas. They are responsible for the red of cooked lobsters, the pink of flamingoes and salmon and the yellow of canaries and egg yolks.

Pleasantly Perky
Hallmarked for its beaming presence, the color yellow allures with its illuminating essence. Associated with the more pleasant things in life, yellow kindles joy and happiness. Most prominently recognized as a cheerful and lively hue, yellow inspires positivity. With its effortless innocence, the color yellow resonates deeply with children. It’s for this reason why many toys are predominately yellow.

Confidence Booster
Best of all, this sunny tone bolsters self-assurance. As an upbeat and cheerful hue, yellow is inherently optimistic. The color yellow seeks to stop senseless thoughts in their tracks. Seeing the color yellow has the incredible ability to turn any negative thoughts into positive ideas. We could all aspire to be a fraction as encouraging as the color yellow.

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.

Colors: Teal

Colors: Teal

Nov 8, 2025 | COLOR, DESIGN

Teal

Teal combines the calming properties of blue with the renewal qualities of green. It is a revitalizing and rejuvenating color that also represents open communication and clarity of thought.

For Tibetan monks, teal is symbolic of the infinity of the sea and sky, while it is the color of truth and faith for Egyptians.

;

Teal pops with bright white and coral, and works well with cream, navy, browns, and pinks. It also sets off metallic colors, such as silver and gold.

Green pigments for paints and fabric dyes were difficult to obtain from nature in the past, thus they were rarely employed in clothes or heraldic emblems. While green may have been blended with blue and yellow paints, mixing dissimilar substances was frowned upon due to suspicion of alchemy. Only during the early Renaissance did the superstitious custom fade away, and in the late eighteenth century, the German Swedish scientist Carl Wilhelm Scheele found new copper greens.

What is the meaning of teal color?
Picture the warm ocean waves in Baja California, made of that color that isn’t quite blue and isn’t quite green. The water brings in the cool side of summer. It also serves as the perfect example of the color teal.

Teal was actually a bird before it was a color. The word “teal” was adopted as a color in 1917. Teal color, however, has existed as long as the ocean.

It's my favorite color and I keep returning to it. It's a great color to use in designing. Very adaptable, flexible and an eye-catching hue.

—Arturo Rios

Teal color combines the calming properties of blue with the revitalizing qualities of green. Named after the Eurasian teal duck, this color offers multiple meanings.

The history of teal color.
Teal was first a symbol of status.
Blue pigment was historically hard to produce. Green was abundant in nature, but it was difficult to create dyes and pigments that would not fade. Because both blue and green pigment were needed to make teal, the color teal was considered a color of elevated status. In Pontormo’s Carmignano Visitation (c. 1528), Mary’s teal robes contrast strikingly with the robes of three other women. This painting depicts when Mary was pregnant with Jesus.

Teal is a color honored in both church and state. Teal color offers an earthly contrast to the skies and clouds above. With its mix of blue and green, the color teal has been used throughout history for the domes of mosques, churches, and state buildings. Look no further than New York City with the Statue of Liberty celebrated in teal, too. The connection here is that teal is symbolic of where the divine meets earth.

During the Renaissance, pigments for paints and textiles became more varied.
Until the Renaissance, mixing substances to create pigments and dyes caused an ill-famed suspicion of alchemy. Only during the Renaissance did this suspicion fade, which gave way to the development of new synthetic pigments. Teal became more popular once synthetic blues and greens were produced and gained in popularity over time. By the 1980s, teal was one of the first colors used to create web pages.

The color teal across different cultures.
The word “teal” (the color) was first recorded in English in 1917. A teal is a freshwater duck known for a striking blue-green mark on its head. In the early 20th century, teal was adopted as the name of the color that the bird sports. The color teal was present before it took that name, of course. It seems as though giving teal a name brought it to the forefront of popular colors after that. Teal color had a boom in interior design in the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1990s teal was one of the most popular colors in professional sports teams.

Teal color has a symbolic meaning that stems from its psychological effects:
teal’s psychological effects are simultaneously calming and revitalizing, which makes the history of the teal color’s significance no surprise. The color teal is especially significant for Tibetan monks. Teal represents the infinity of the sea and sky. For the Ancient Egyptians, teal was considered the color of truth and faith.

Keeps to Itself
While many are intrigued by the color teal, this hue isn’t very interested in others. In fact, it prefers to be alone. This personality trait has made teal somewhat reserved. It keeps things close to the vest and seldom comes out of its shell. If you’re interacting with teal and can’t get much out of it, don’t take it personally. Teal has boundaries, and it doesn’t appreciate it when people overstep them.

Values Uniqueness
The world isn’t homogeneous, and teal admires that. This hue understands the importance of being yourself. According to teal, we aren’t meant to blend in. In essence, teal relishes individuality. If you’re someone who doesn’t conform to social norms, you and teal will have a lot in common.

Cautious
Life is meant to be lived, but teal can sometimes lose sight of this. As an attentive color, teal is always on the lookout for danger. While there’s no reason to be unduly alarmed, teal has a difficult time finding peace of mind. It’s for this reason why this hue is generally on edge. You may notice that you feel more tense and uptight when surrounded by the color teal.

Unbiased
Teal doesn’t judge too quickly or too harshly. In other words, it’s an open-minded hue. No matter the person or situation it encounters, teal always takes the time to understand both sides of the story. This bodes well for mature and harmonious relationships. If you’re learning to be more accepting, use teal as a teacher.

Encourages Practical Thinking
Teal doesn’t tolerate irrational thoughts. It seeks to be logical in all that it does. With that said, those who spend time with teal are more likely to make informed and responsible decisions. Teal never throws caution to the wind, which makes it both predictable and reliable. If you’re looking to get back on the straight and narrow, teal will help get you there.

Promotes Relaxation
There’s no refuting that teal is wound tight. However, it still effortlessly fosters relaxation. With a little assistance from teal, you can decompress with ease. You’ll find this color in many homes for this very reason. The stress of life can make us anxious and angry, but teal reminds us that these feelings aren’t permanent. With a healthy dose of reality and understanding, teal stops negativity in its tracks.

Super Serious
With teal, excitement isn’t promised. If there are rules in place, you can bet that teal will abide by them. Failure to adhere to the rules will get teal in a tizzy. Those who don’t take themselves too seriously should limit their time with teal. After all, teal subscribes to the notion that goofing off breeds bad habits.

Prim and Proper
Teal presents itself in a very dignified manner. To some, this can be bothersome. Meanwhile, others cherish how noble teal comes across. If teal isn’t upholding this image, it regards itself as a failure. Teal’s inability to loosen up has earned it many enemies. Fortunately, teal doesn’t mind keeping a tight circle.

Rejuvenating
With its wisdom and vitality, teal breathes new life into those who desire rejuvenation. If you’d like a new lease on life, turn to teal. This color will arm you with the fresh perspective you’re looking for. Teal aims to uplift others, which it does by offering helpful insight and direction. When at a crossroads, allow teal to nudge you in the right direction.

Provides Clarity
It’s not uncommon for life’s unknowns to spark confusion. If you’re no stranger to this feeling, teal will ease your doubts. By ridding individuals of worry, teal offers emotional healing and spiritual enlightenment. These positive influences make way for optimal growth.

We think an educated client (never a "customer") is preferred. Arturo also believes in being generous with his knowkledge as others have been generous with theirs to him.

This article is part of our series that explores and celebrates different aspects of millinery. Arturo Rios has created new techniques, forms and modes of constructing the world's finest hats and he wants to share and open the discussion with you.

We welcome everyone to discover how millinery is expanding, changing and evolving. Let us know your thoughts!

 

Classic Forms

Millinery has a long history. In this series of posts, we delve deeper into the specifics of each type of hat. Pillboxes, fascinator and derby hats are just the beginning. And Arturo wants to assist in your discovery!

Techniques

Hat-making has it's own vocabulary; definitions, terms, slang. We're here to talk about the components that make great hats.

Colors

Arturo has a unique sense of flowers. He also uses his deep understanding of how colors work and how they influence us.

EVENTS: Dubai World Cup 2026

EVENTS: Dubai World Cup 2026

Oct 27, 2025 | EVENTS, HORSE RACING

28 March, 2026

The Dubai World Cup, held annually at the Meydan Racecourse, isn’t just a horse race; it’s an extravagant celebration of horse racing culture that lures thousands of enthusiasts from across the globe. First held in 1996, this prestigious event has evolved into a significant moment on the international racing calendar, boasting a unique blend of high stakes, beautiful horses, and glamorous attendees.

The Dubai World Cup Day typically features a series of races culminating in the main event—the Dubai World Cup itself. The race day is packed with action, with races starting in the afternoon and culminating in the evening under the glimmering lights.

The Dubai World Cup card includes several key races, each with its own distance and significance. The main event spans a heart-pounding 2,000 meters, attracting the best thoroughbreds from around the world. Other notable races include the Dubai Sheema Classic (2,410 meters) and the Dubai Golden Shaheen (1,200 meters), each adding to the day’s excitement and showcasing a range of racing talent.

From its inception, the Dubai World Cup has aimed to set a benchmark in the horse racing world. It represents not just a race, but a statement of Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global player in sports and entertainment.

Founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai World Cup was envisioned as a way to elevate the profile of horse racing in the region, while also showcasing Dubai’s opulence. In its early days, it was a bold gamble, but it soon galloped ahead to become a flagship event of international racing.

Throughout its history, the Dubai World Cup has seen some legendary performances, with horses like Curlin and Arrogate setting records that are still talked about in hushed tones (and boastful bragging) across the racetracks. Notable trainers and jockeys have made their mark here, writing their own chapters in the annals of racing history..

With a staggering purse of over $12 million, the Dubai World Cup holds the title of the world’s richest horse race. This means not only do the horses race for glory, but they also sprint for an eye-watering amount of cash.

Stunning Venue and Facilities

The Meydan Racecourse is a masterpiece in itself, designed to offer a lavish experience for attendees. From luxury seating to gourmet dining, and even a stunning grandstand that rivals the most opulent stadiums around the globe, attending the Dubai World Cup is as much about the experience as it is about the racing.

Community Engagement and Events

The Dubai World Cup is more than just a race—it's a social extravaganza! From community gatherings to charity events, the World Cup fosters a sense of camaraderie among locals and visitors alike. Each year, the event attracts thousands of spectators who don their finest attire and gather to cheer (or gasp) as horses thunder down the racetrack.

Fashion, Entertainment, and Hospitality

From extravagant hats to haute couture outfits that could make even a fashion runway blush, attendees are as much a spectacle as the races themselves. And let’s not forget the entertainment! With live performances, fine dining, and lavish hospitality, the event goes beyond horse racing.

 

Showing 10–18 of 49 resultsSorted by latest

EVENTS: Breeders’ Cup, 2025

EVENTS: Breeders’ Cup, 2025

Oct 12, 2025 | EVENTS, HORSE RACING

OCT 31 - NOV 02, Del Mar, California

Breeders' Cup 2025 Overview at Del Mar (Races, Hats, Tips)

Hearts pound, hooves thunder, and style takes center stage. The Breeders' Cup 2025 lands at Del Mar Racetrack in California this November, the sport’s highest stage with champions from across the globe. It is two days packed with world-class racing, high stakes, and unforgettable moments.

Big races call for bold fashion. Women plan their looks for weeks, because the right hat does more than match a dress. It sets the tone, frames your face, and gives you that poised, photo-ready glow. You walk taller, you feel sure of yourself, and yes, you turn heads.

Arturo Rios designs make your hat stand out from every angle. Clean lines, rich textures, and smart details make each hat stand out in the crowd. They stay comfortable from paddock to champagne toast.

Top Races to Watch and Bet On

These races anchor the weekend and deliver non-stop drama. If you are new to betting, start small and enjoy the ride.

Classic, $6 million: The headline race. Elite older horses line up at 1 1/4 miles on dirt. It crowns the season’s best. See the official race profile for the 2025 Classic.

Distaff: Top fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on dirt. It is pure class and often the day’s most tactical race. Learn the basics with this overview of the Breeders' Cup Distaff.

Turf and Mile (on turf): International stars thrive here. Expect quick turns, late kicks, and photo finishes.

Venue Vibes at Del Mar Racetrack

Del Mar sets a mood you feel in your bones. The blue Pacific on one side, sun-warmed grandstands on the other, and a soft ocean breeze that keeps the day light and bright. The track glows in the afternoon, and the crowd hums with energy. You hear live music between races, then cheers rise as the gates open. Food stalls tempt you with fresh citrus, grilled shrimp, and classic California flavors.

Women lean into polished, sunny looks. Wide-brim hats protect from glare and photograph beautifully. Flowing dresses, clean lines, and soft pastels suit the setting. Arturo Rios designs match the scene with sculpted shapes, rich textures, and balanced proportions that flatter in sunlight. Slip on a structured brim or a feathered crown, then step into the paddock walk feeling camera-ready. The right hat completes the day’s story, from first post to last toast.

Why Arturo Rios Hats Are Perfect for Breeder's Cup

Arturo Rios designs with race day in mind. He is a skilled artisan in Los Angeles with over 20 years of millinery experience. His hats use quality sinamay and felt, so they are light, secure, and built to last. The look blends classic track style with a fresh, modern twist, which fits Del Mar’s bright, coastal mood. Prices often range from $350 to $500+, which makes them a smart buy you can wear again to weddings, garden parties, and holiday events. Browse his current collection on the official Arturo Rios site.

Fascinators for a chic touch: These are light and easy to wear, often in sinamay with sculpted loops, quills, or feathers. They shine with tailored dresses and jumpsuits. A teardrop base slims round faces, while asymmetrical designs balance soft jawlines. Choose earth tones like chestnut, sand, and onyx for a thoroughbred-inspired palette, or go bold with race-day reds that pop against prints.

Wide-brim hats for shade and drama: A wide brim frames the face and gives you instant polish in bright Del Mar light. Medium brims flatter petite frames, while fuller brims balance broader shoulders. Crisp angles and clean crowns add height. Felt brims feel plush in cooler temps, while sinamay stays breezy if the sun is out. Pair a navy or stone brim with a floral dress for a timeless track look.

Pillbox styles for pure elegance: Sleek and structured, the pillbox is perfect if you love a vintage nod. It sits high, keeps hair neat, and photographs beautifully from every angle. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it pairs well with sheath dresses and pearls. Think soft blush, dove gray, or inky black with a feather accent for movement.

A common theme you will hear from wearers is comfort. Customers share how a Rios headband holds steady without pressure, even after eight hours at the track. One buyer loved how her feathered fascinator stayed put during a breezy paddock walk and still felt weightless during the walk to the winner’s circle. That is the difference a well-balanced piece makes.

How to Choose and Care for Your Rios Hat

Pick with purpose so your hat looks right and feels great all day.

Match the event look: For a sleek dress, try a sculpted fascinator. For a flowing midi, go wide brim. If your outfit is bold, choose a simple crown. If your dress is simple, let the hat carry the moment with color or height.

Plan for weather: Sinamay breathes in sun and looks crisp in photos. Felt adds structure and warmth if the breeze picks up. Choose a brim that gives shade without blocking your view.

Add a personal touch: Rios offers custom details like feathers, veiling, and color tweaks. Ask for a trim that mirrors your dress tone or a splash of red to echo your lipstick. You get a one-of-one look without a long lead time.

Care is simple, which protects your investment and keeps the shape sharp!

Spot clean with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking the material.

Hold by the brim, not the crown, to prevent warping.

Store in a hat box with tissue around the trim. Keep it cool, dry, and out of direct sun.

Travel with a structured box in a tote or carry-on so it arrives photo ready.

An Arturo Rios hat is more than a race-day add-on. It is an easy win for comfort, confidence, and photos you will love. Shop ready-to-wear pieces or request a custom touch on the Arturo Rios Etsy shop. Wear it to the Breeders’ Cup, then bring it back out for your next big day.