Beaver fedoras

[Will]

If any of you hat aficionados do not already know of Paul's Hat works in San Francisco, one of America's last custom hatters, I published an essay and some photos today at A Suitable Wardrobe.

 

[AlanC]

Will, thanks for the picture and the link. The price seems a bit on the high side compared to pure beaver customs from Optimo or Art Fawcett (4x/5x). Any idea why?

 

[Will]

Will, thanks for the picture and the link. The price seems a bit on the high side compared to pure beaver customs from Optimo or Art Fawcett (4x/5x). Any idea why?

I am a near novice when it comes to hats as most of my experience is with James Lock and there I just bought 'em and wore 'em.

When I thought about the premium Michael charges relative to those hats, it's a bit higher than what I'd expect to pay for a bespoke pair of shoes relative to Edward Green, for example, but not outrageously so.

I haven't seen and hence am not qualified to comment on the alternatives you mention but I'll be interested to learn more about them.

 

[AlanC]

Optimo Hats of Chicago

Vintage Silhouettes--VS is Art Fawcett, a regular poster here at FL

Both offer full beaver and full custom. I'm not trying to shill for them, although I am a customer of Art's. Both have a lot of fans on the Lounge. And I'm not questioning Paul's quality, it just seems his pricing is a bit out of whack compared to them. Of course, if he can get it, more power to him, I guess.

 

[RedPop4]

I like this one.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I'm so tempted to show a different kind of beaver photo, but I won't.

.

 

[TaxMan1]

Oh, you mean a different angle on RedPops photo?

 

[RedPop4]

I'm so tempted to show a different kind of beaver photo, but I won't.

.

I'd expect nothing less

 

[warbird]

I'd expect nothing less

Shaved beaver feels especially nice on a bald pate.

 

[RedPop4]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap lol lol lol
Excellent, CJ

 

[SHARPETOYS]

You want to see what!!

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks Will, I know Michael and his work, although he is more known for his Panama's than felts. Gent's, Michael Harris has a shop in the avenues on Geary in SF and apprenticed to the original Paul, one of the great all time hatters. He is in the same neighborhood as Baker Beach ( nude...just for you Marc) and is close to where the ultra wealthy live so there are cases when $ don't matter. I won't comment on his prices other than that. I do know he makes a good hat!!

 

[tonyb]

I won't comment on his prices other than that. I do know he makes a good hat!!

At his prices, I would certainly hope so.

 

[Hondo]

Next time in S.F. I'll check this place out, Thanks!

 

[Samsa]

Did I read that right? $1,500 for a hat?

 

[cooncatbob]

Did I read that right? $1,500 for a hat?

Gotta pay that San Francisco rent. lol
Though I'd rather buy 5 hats from Art.

 

[Samsa]

Gotta pay that San Francisco rent. lol
Though I'd rather buy 5 hats from Art.

Yes, me too. As soon as I get enough cash to do so, I will be giving him a call.

 

[hatflick1]

Through The Looking Glass

Is this the hatter on Geary? I went there some time back. The proprietor seemed almost hesitant to discuss his work or demonstrate styles or allow you to actually try a sample on unless you were ready to shell out four hundred bucks. After a while he loosened up a little and brought some hats out from the back. Gorgeous stuff, no doubt. But hardly the cordial and engaging reception I got at The Hat Guys across the bay in Oakland.