In my newest series, ‘She Wears Her story,’ I feature a metro Detroit woman who embodies power, purpose, and personal expression.   Meet Rachelle Willnus.   We first crossed paths in a bathroom while getting ready for opening night at the Detroit Historical Museum’s fashion exhibit launch party—an evening where both of our couture pieces were being featured. It was an unexpected meeting that immediately revealed her warmth, humor, and unmistakable creative spirit.   Rachelle is a Michigan-based headwear designer best known for Derby Hats by Rachelle, her line of custom hats and fascinators made for special events, fashion shows, and high-style gatherings.

A familiar name within the Metro Detroit fashion community, she blends artistry, craftsmanship, and expressive style to create one-of-a-kind pieces that infuse individual expression and confidence into every moment.

But Rachelle wasn’t always a headwear designer. Before launching her brand, she designed engineering training programs at Ford.

Her path shifted through her love for theater and the joy she found creating costumes for her children’s plays and musicals. One trip to the Kentucky Derby sparked something deeper—and from there, she was off to the races in creativity and design.

Her work has been featured across local media and the Detroit style circuit. From CBS Detroit segments to runway showcases, she is celebrated for her Tim Burton inspired imaginative silhouettes, vibrant textures, and unforgettable statement details.

Her pieces frequently appear at the Kentucky Derby, charity luncheons, and gala-style events where fashion and celebration intertwine.

She calls herself an “accidental artist,” though I firmly believe accidental artists are often answering a calling they’ve held all along.

Whether adorned in Detroit, Michigan State (her alma mater), or Kentucky Derby ASTOURI prints, Rachelle brings joy, color, and unapologetic individuality into every room she enters.

She embodies what this series celebrates: a woman standing fully in her expression, her craft, and her story.