OPTIMO FINE HATS: A Photographic Excursion

[delectans]

Rather than clogging up other forum threads with my photographic excesses, I thought I would create a new one to share photos taken on our many trips to OPTIMO over the past few years. I hope to convey, through pictures, a sense of the nostalgia and beauty of the hats and hat shop, as well as provide a glimpse of the artistry and passion of Graham and his staff.

My apologies in advance for the profusion of self portraits, they are humbly intended to help better illustrate the multitude of different hat styles and materials, as worn. Contributions from others are eagerly welcomed!

I will begin with some photographs from our most recent visit to both the Southside and Downtown Chicago shops over the Memorial Day weekend:

 

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[Matt Deckard]

Truly great to see some pics of Graham and his awesome work. I have a few Optimos and tend to love them to death. All felts, I haven't gotten a straw from him yet. all the workmanship is impeccable.

I have several hats I need to get there for cleaning. of all the places to get a hat cleaned, Optimo has been the best for my dress hats vintage and modern.

 

[zetwal]

Cool ... :yo:

 

[randooch]

Excellent photo set, Al, and I suspect that other fortunate members who have visited Graham's shop will add to the homage.

 

[daedalus productions]

b-yootiful. headed there in july, leaning towards the mitchum.

 

[BR Gordon]

I don't know what to say, except, what an incredible montage of hats.

 

[McMurdo]

Wonderful set of photos, thanks for sharing the trip.

 

[Chepstow]

Al, fantastic and impressive photos. So many nice Hats and styles.
By the way, you can wear every style and it looks good! Thanks Al.

 

[gqmagic]

Thanks, I'm glad you did this.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Fantastic trip and thanks for taking the time to post all the pictures here. I am not really too far from Chicago, when I am up to it, I will have to make a trip there!

 

[tealseal]

Fantastic! Makes me want to find my way up there in the near future.

 

[mikespens]

Know where I'm going if I'm ever in Chicago. Great website too.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Al, the 8 peak cap was really bad they need to work on that one. It looked awful way too full and the brim was way to short. Some of those straws where crazy too. Nice shop FedoraFest is in Chicago next year and can not wait to go to Optimo and meet Graham.

 

[mayserwegener]

Al, Fantastic photos! I definitely have to make a visit to Optimo some day.