New Akubra options?

[Spatterdash]

Well, gang, it's been awhile...

but I had to pop in and mention this. Over at hatsdirect.com on the main page you'll find a "Coming Soon" link - www.fedora-hats.com.au

That got me thinking. What's the source of the Federation up to? Anyone know what Ron and the gang have in mind?
More importantly, is this the time to start letting Ron know some of the things we'd like to see there, like maybe more light gray fedora's with rich black ribbons, or more taupe and khaki colored fedora's? Perhaps more open-crown options, more hats with straight sides and no taper, more bound brims, more wind trolleys, whatever we want.
We could ask about ribbon options on certain models, get a model with or without a bound edge... the list goes on.

As it stands, something seems to be cookin' over at hatsdirect.com, and maybe Ron might welcome some input. Yes? No?

 

[Edward]

I saw this too. It looks to me like what they're doing is reorganising their Fedora stocks. I guess with this place and maybe other similar joints having such a buzz about hd.com, they're finidng a lot more business in the Fedora end of things than maybe previously, so it makes sense to have a dedicated site for them. I did ask last week about new colours in the Federation..... I adore the Fed, and quite honestly would likely buy as many colours as they'll do in it over time. I'd love a light grey and a midnight blue..... They indicated they don't really have any plans just at the minute to do that... apparently they need to buy fifty to get Akubra to do a run in a different colour. I guess if they get enough demand from folks interested in another colour, though..... Surely there's got to be fifty folks on here who'd commit to a midnight blue or a light grey in a Fed or Fed Deluxe?

Something else I'd be tempted by would be a Fed with a bound edge and/or a lapel cord. Maybe a special run of Midnight blue with those features and a scarlet lining? If there were enough of us who would commit to ordering and paying up front, it'd be very cool if they were up for donig a Fedora Lounge exclusive....

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Probably thought they'd get more hits, and therefore, more business using "fedora" in a website name. It's got a more vintage look & feel to it than their regular site, and sounds like it's going to feature just the more vintage-style hats. Probably a combination of targeting the growing fedora hat-wearing public, as well as gearing up for those who'll want a fedora when the new Indiana Jones move comes out in May.

Maybe a special run of Midnight blue with those features and a scarlet lining? If there were enough of us who would commit to ordering and paying up front, it'd be very cool if they were up for donig a Fedora Lounge exclusive....

Alas, this is a well-trod path we've been down many times in the past, and it's unfeasible and unworkable for many, many reasons. Rather than dredge it all up for rehasing here, there are several threads in the hat section. It sounds simple, but the big problem seems to be that to do an "exclusive", someone has to order & pay upfront for a minimum of 50 hats in each & every size (that's a few hundred hats) and they all have be exactly the same - crown height, brim dimensions, ribbon, color, etc. Someone's only "in" if it's a particular color. Someone else is "in" only if the ribbon's a certain size & color. Hats are a very personal thing, and therein lies the rub. It's like trying to lasso the wind - everyone wants a custom hat at a production hat price.

 

[Spellflower]

fftopic:

I ended up looking at the old site and noticed this



It's interesting that Stetson's allowing them to use what I'm assuming is still a trademarked name, and that it's nothing at all like the Stetson Whippet.

 

[NonEntity]

I am speculating, but since since I used to operate a dot-com, here's what I generally know about "coming soon" teaser web pages:

First, the visitor has no input whatsoever on what's going to be offered. The vendor has either not yet finalized the deal with the supplier, has not made the time to post the new offerings, or is intentionally waiting for the best time to post them.

 

[Godfrey]

Given my location at the southern end of the Australian continent I can suggest a reason why they'd delay launching the site. Summer.

Basically its too hot at the moment to really seriously consider a felt hat. I'd give them a few months to get into autumn when the temperature warrants it and the site would probably get launched - with appropriate local fanfare. Personally I think the fedora is up for a big revival this year - have been seeing more and more on the streets over the last year or so in Melbourne and Sydney.

Would be allot more interesting if we could influence the Akubra Company to make some new styles - or even revive some old ones. I owned a great hat called a Warrick in the early nineties (which I lost after my dog took it on an extended tour of our garden and his kennel) which I'd love to see re-issued. Don’t think they are very technically savvy so requests may need to be engraved in clay tablets and sent by courier vulture.

 

[cookie]

Don’t think they are very technically savvy so requests may need to be engraved in clay tablets and sent by courier vulture.

I would have to agree with that comment ...but then they are probably still chasing their traditional market.

All the young blokes were wearing STINGY STRAWS UP AT NOOSA LAST WEEK AND THE GIRLS TOO. AKUBRA'S RESPONSE WAS ONE MEASLY DESIGN...same for their one style porkpie. They seem to have no big rapid response to fashion or are not interested.

 

[Godfrey]

Agreed. Look at Stetsons response to the changes in the market with their 'collections'. I have to admit that not everything there is to my taste but the intent is great.

Humm - could Akubra create a 'Fedora Lounge endorsed collection' lol