I love the Fed IV!!

[Wojto]

Emal from Hattery today mornig
THE FEDERATION

NEW COLOUR

We are excited to announce that we have a new colour coming for the first time in 16 years for the Federation IV Deluxe. Graphite will soon be available in our classic fedora!

If you are familiar with Graphite from either the Cattleman or Banjo Paterson from Akubra, you will know this colour well. It is a sophisticated charcoal with a lot of depth and versatility. A great choice to pair with almost any outfit"

 

[Edward]

Emal from Hattery today mornig
THE FEDERATION

NEW COLOUR

We are excited to announce that we have a new colour coming for the first time in 16 years for the Federation IV Deluxe. Graphite will soon be available in our classic fedora!

If you are familiar with Graphite from either the Cattleman or Banjo Paterson from Akubra, you will know this colour well. It is a sophisticated charcoal with a lot of depth and versatility. A great choice to pair with almost any outfit"

Interesting. I wonder is that replacing Carbon Grey or Moonstone? Or sitting in between as a shade? Be interesting to see. Notable that they mention is being for the DLX; I wonder are they planning to differentiate the two Fed models with different colours in each? That would certainly make choosing between 'em easier!

 

[Edward]

Carbon Grey:

This appears to be what Hatsdirect.com are selling as Graphite Grey on their Cattleman Listing:

Looks to me to be as much darker than Carbon as Moonstone is lighter. It's an interesting choice. I can imagine owning either of these colours and Moonstone, but it might be more of a stretch to feel I had space for both of these, much as I like both shades. (The Cattleman above definitely isn't black - there's a different photo there that is definitely black, noticeably darker again than this one.)

I'm even more inclined now to speculate that the plan is to differentiate the two models with different colours. Carbon in the regular and this graphite in the DLX would be of a similar contrast to the two different tan colours they already have. I like the idea myself - having owned both, the one real difference I found wasn't qualitative, just the difference in some colour choices. That would imo really make all the difference to me choosing one over the other.

Hoping they bring back Moonstone, though - that's the one I've been waiting for new stock with.

Another thing I notice is the email refers to the IV model, which would suggest to me that if they're introducing a new colour in that, they're not planning to introduce a new model any time soon. (Which is fine with me - I'm very happy with the dimensions of both my IIIs and IVs.)

I'd like to see them do a DLX Plus model with a wide brim-binding and a deeper ribbon - perhaps both contrasting....

 

[Wojto]

Interesting. I wonder is that replacing Carbon Grey or Moonstone? Or sitting in between as a shade? Be interesting to see. Notable that they mention is being for the DLX; I wonder are they planning to differentiate the two Fed models with different colours in each? That would certainly make choosing between 'em easier!

speculating, the e-mail contains information about the introduction of a new color. Nothing about the withdrawal of the colors offered so far. I hope they remain. I consider the addition of graphite to the offer as a great idea and message. Personally, I missed FED's really dark gray that would match the black leather jackets

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I'm even more inclined now to speculate that the plan is to differentiate the two models with different colours. Carbon in the regular and this graphite in the DLX would be of a similar contrast to the two different tan colours they already have. I like the idea myself - having owned both, the one real difference I found wasn't qualitative, just the difference in some colour choices. That would imo really make all the difference to me choosing one over the other.

It's been a while since there were any color intersections other than dark brown.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Emal from Hattery today mornig
THE FEDERATION

NEW COLOUR

We are excited to announce that we have a new colour coming for the first time in 16 years for the Federation IV Deluxe. Graphite will soon be available in our classic fedora!

If you are familiar with Graphite from either the Cattleman or Banjo Paterson from Akubra, you will know this colour well. It is a sophisticated charcoal with a lot of depth and versatility. A great choice to pair with almost any outfit"

Thanks for the update. I lot of hoopla for nothing it seems. Although, okay, first color change in 16 years is not nothing, but their marketing made this out to be some kind of next level changes. A new color - meh. Doesn't help that I've never been attracted to that color in the BP.

Not complaining - just saying it doesn't excite me. That's just me.

 

[StoryPNW]

Not really much of a stretch is it? They already have the heritage felt for the BP. Why not make another hat out of it?

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

For those who didn't sign up for email updates about the FED, The Hattery is also offering a "New Shaping Service". Here's what the email says:

"In 2022 we launched a shaping service for the Federation for the first time offering a “1930’s” inspired shape. We’ve had great feedback regarding this service and many of you have used it to take the guesswork out of the process!

We are excited to share that due to increasing demand we have decided to introduce a new variant of the shaping service that will be available soon. A shape that is commonly requested by Indiana Jones fans, the new shape will be inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark and will include a tighter and taller front pinch as well as an exaggerated brim lift and dip. It is a shape that has become increasingly requested in-store and on the forums (yes, we read the forums) and we are excited to finally offer it online!"

 

[Edward]

It's been a while since there were any color intersections other than dark brown.

I've been a bit out of the loop, to be fair - bought my IIIs in 2008 & 2009, then a couple of IVs second hand some years later. Did buy a new DLX last year, but that was probably one of the last dark browns they did. I'm sure I remember there being the same carbon / black / brown options at one point, but that may have been longer ago than I realised! Moonstone was maybe the first DLX exclusive? When I bought my brown last year, there was almost nothing left in stock, though, so I may well have missed more variety than I realised.

Thanks for the update. I lot of hoopla for nothing it seems. Although, okay, first color change in 16 years is not nothing, but their marketing made this out to be some kind of next level changes. A new color - meh. Doesn't help that I've never been attracted to that color in the BP.

Not complaining - just saying it doesn't excite me. That's just me.

I'd sort of expected a bigger change myself - a new variant, a new straw (this being heading into the Summer on the bottom half of the world). This is not an unwelcome option (though a moonstone would make much more sense in my collection), but yes, not the level of change I'd have expected from the blurb. Still... maybe more to come yet? I don't expect a MkV pattern, but maybe there are new options to come...

I see they're still waiting for new stock. Prices seem higher than they were last year, but I don't know if that's an actual price rise, or just the pound remaining weak as it has been for some years now.

 

[Edward]

For those who didn't sign up for email updates about the FED, The Hattery is also offering a "New Shaping Service". Here's what the email says:

"In 2022 we launched a shaping service for the Federation for the first time offering a “1930’s” inspired shape. We’ve had great feedback regarding this service and many of you have used it to take the guesswork out of the process!

We are excited to share that due to increasing demand we have decided to introduce a new variant of the shaping service that will be available soon. A shape that is commonly requested by Indiana Jones fans, the new shape will be inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark and will include a tighter and taller front pinch as well as an exaggerated brim lift and dip. It is a shape that has become increasingly requested in-store and on the forums (yes, we read the forums) and we are excited to finally offer it online!"

It's an interesting idea. Probably not many takers from among those of us for whom a big part of the attraction is the open crown and being able t shape it ourselves, but for newbies it might make all the difference if they're worried about messing up a nice hat which, albeit not the most expensive out there, still represents a significant investment in an accessory for somebody new to hats.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I've been a bit out of the loop, to be fair - bought my IIIs in 2008 & 2009, then a couple of IVs second hand some years later. Did buy a new DLX last year, but that was probably one of the last dark browns they did. I'm sure I remember there being the same carbon / black / brown options at one point, but that may have been longer ago than I realised! Moonstone was maybe the first DLX exclusive? When I bought my brown last year, there was almost nothing left in stock, though, so I may well have missed more variety than I realised.




I'd sort of expected a bigger change myself - a new variant, a new straw (this being heading into the Summer on the bottom half of the world). This is not an unwelcome option (though a moonstone would make much more sense in my collection), but yes, not the level of change I'd have expected from the blurb. Still... maybe more to come yet? I don't expect a MkV pattern, but maybe there are new options to come...

I see they're still waiting for new stock. Prices seem higher than they were last year, but I don't know if that's an actual price rise, or just the pound remaining weak as it has been for some years now.

The only other color I remember being available in both was black. But I haven't seen it since maybe even 2022 - definitely early 23 at the latest. I can't say if Moonstone or Heritage Fawn is older.

I believe a number of Loungers would welcome a Bluegrass Green model - perhaps we can send The Hattery a special order? I think that would be a first.

And yes, based on the information that's been shared recently on the Akubra Overload thread, Akubra prices went up across the board.

 

[Edward]

The only other color I remember being available in both was black. But I haven't seen it since maybe even 2022 - definitely early 23 at the latest. I can't say if Moonstone or Heritage Fawn is older.

I believe a number of Loungers would welcome a Bluegrass Green model - perhaps we can send The Hattery a special order? I think that would be a first.

And yes, based on the information that's been shared recently on the Akubra Overload thread, Akubra prices went up across the board.

They're still much cheaper ordering direct than from the UK site.... The official UK site does carry a warning about customs and the rest, of course, to justify them being more expensive than one in Aus, but, well.... as the old line goes, they would say that, wouldn't they? And HD remain the only source of the Federation...

A bluegrass Fed would be really nice. Shouldn't be that complicated, either, as they do the Squatter in Bluegrass, and it's not much different from the Fed (bound brim being the most obvious difference). As a TFL 'exclusive', personally I'd love a moonstone with a grey rather than black ribbon, and a matching, half-inch wide brim binding... A different colour but standard pattern is probably more realistic, though. I remember maybe fifteen years ago there was a project based on getting Stetson to do a Lounge-exclusive Stratoliner (I think it was). I dropped out when it was confirmed that they all had to be the one colour and Silverbelly was specified, as it was too close to my Campdraft for me to be able to justify the outlay. Not sure what happened after that whether it went ahead, but the idea certainly seems viable. If they're turning more attention to the Fed again now as Akubra's production is getting ahead again, now might be a good time to explore.

I did also drop HD a line to ask whether they're planning to bring back Moonstone, as I was right about to buy one last year but they only have in stock a size 61 now that would sit down over my eyes...

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

They're still much cheaper ordering direct than from the UK site.... The official UK site does carry a warning about customs and the rest, of course, to justify them being more expensive than one in Aus, but, well.... as the old line goes, they would say that, wouldn't they? And HD remain the only source of the Federation...

A bluegrass Fed would be really nice. Shouldn't be that complicated, either, as they do the Squatter in Bluegrass, and it's not much different from the Fed (bound brim being the most obvious difference). As a TFL 'exclusive', personally I'd love a moonstone with a grey rather than black ribbon, and a matching, half-inch wide brim binding... A different colour but standard pattern is probably more realistic, though. I remember maybe fifteen years ago there was a project based on getting Stetson to do a Lounge-exclusive Stratoliner (I think it was). I dropped out when it was confirmed that they all had to be the one colour and Silverbelly was specified, as it was too close to my Campdraft for me to be able to justify the outlay. Not sure what happened after that whether it went ahead, but the idea certainly seems viable. If they're turning more attention to the Fed again now as Akubra's production is getting ahead again, now might be a good time to explore.

I did also drop HD a line to ask whether they're planning to bring back Moonstone, as I was right about to buy one last year but they only have in stock a size 61 now that would sit down over my eyes...

I remember back in 2017 or 18 some Loungers getting together to do a special order Akubra. Can't remember the specifics though. I'm afraid for me a Bluegrass Green FED would be more of a curiosity than a hat I'd actually wear - I very much favor traditional colors in my hats.

I'd also prefer Moonstone with a lighter shade ribbon. I think the black ribbon is the reason I haven't looked seriously at that color.

 

[Edward]

I remember back in 2017 or 18 some Loungers getting together to do a special order Akubra. Can't remember the specifics though. I'm afraid for me a Bluegrass Green FED would be more of a curiosity than a hat I'd actually wear - I very much favor traditional colors in my hats.

I'd also prefer Moonstone with a lighter shade ribbon. I think the black ribbon is the reason I haven't looked seriously at that color.

I've received an email in from Hats Direct overnight which confirms that the Moonstone will be back in the DLX next month. I agree the black ribbon 'limits' it to wearing with blues / blacks /greys, whereas a more neutral ribbon would make it wear well with brown. I'm gonig to buy a production DLX Moonstone, but I'd certainly be up for one on a TFL order if they could do it with enough of a point of difference to justify a second - for me, a warm, grey ribbon - silver grey, maybe? Or something like the colour of Heritage fawn? could be enough, especially if matching edge-binding could be an option...

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I've received an email in from Hats Direct overnight which confirms that the Moonstone will be back in the DLX next month. I agree the black ribbon 'limits' it to wearing with blues / blacks /greys, whereas a more neutral ribbon would make it wear well with brown. I'm gonig to buy a production DLX Moonstone, but I'd certainly be up for one on a TFL order if they could do it with enough of a point of difference to justify a second - for me, a warm, grey ribbon - silver grey, maybe? Or something like the colour of Heritage fawn? could be enough, especially if matching edge-binding could be an option...

Sounds like you might be happy with a custom make in dimensional brim. Or at least having an edge-binding put on one of your Feds. But have you not tried the Squatter? It has an edge binding.

 

[Edward]

Sounds like you might be happy with a custom make in dimensional brim. Or at least having an edge-binding put on one of your Feds. But have you not tried the Squatter? It has an edge binding.

The Squatter is one I've been looking at; the specs look to be very similar to the Fed. I already have a carbon grey Fed which limits the appeal of that one, but the bluegrass Squatter is definitely gonig on my list...

 

[RBH]

I remember back in 2017 or 18 some Loungers getting together to do a special order Akubra. Can't remember the specifics though. I'm afraid for me a Bluegrass Green FED would be more of a curiosity than a hat I'd actually wear - I very much favor traditional colors in my hats.

I'd also prefer Moonstone with a lighter shade ribbon. I think the black ribbon is the reason I haven't looked seriously at that color.

here ya go.......

Fedora Lounge Edition {Everything Australian } Akubra Camp Draft 2 5/8s brim

A special Moonstone CD in imperial felt did not fly so to try and streamline gauging alternate interests I have opened a new thread. Bartender - If I have to many similar threads open please close this one down. For anyone new to the topic Sam at everythingaustralian has offered to produce a...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

here ya go.......

Fedora Lounge Edition {Everything Australian } Akubra Camp Draft 2 5/8s brim

A special Moonstone CD in imperial felt did not fly so to try and streamline gauging alternate interests I have opened a new thread. Bartender - If I have to many similar threads open please close this one down. For anyone new to the topic Sam at everythingaustralian has offered to produce a...

www.thefedoralounge.com

Oh wow, all the way back in 2012! I must have read the thread in 2017 when I was first researching Campdrafts. Thanks Rusty!

 

[Vintage Gent]

I think the new color and the new Raiders shape is not the full story. The e-mail also says:

"We are as passionate for authentic hat design as ever and we are very excited to share what we have been working on, more on that in the months ahead…".

This makes me believe a new model is on the way.

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

I think the new color and the new Raiders shape is not the full story. The e-mail also says:

"We are as passionate for authentic hat design as ever and we are very excited to share what we have been working on, more on that in the months ahead…".

This makes me believe a new model is on the way.

Wow... excellent catch. I didn't read the email far enough!