OPTIMO FINE HATS: A Photographic Excursion

[Lotsahats]

bump for some nice photos...

I miss Al's photo essays!

 

[mikespens]

I miss Al's photo essays!

Me too Aaron

 

[navarre]

I miss Al's photo essays!

Me too Aaron

I'll second, I mean third that.

 

[DJH]

+4

 

[Rogera]

+5

 

[PHIL1959]

what a great set of photos, great looking hats which look good on you !

 

[alanfgag]

Al's presence is certainly missed. Fortunately he has kept the links to his photos live so that we can continue to enjoy the resource in his absence.

 

[KingAndrew]

These are great. It is indeed fortunate that the photo links remain active. It is a pity Al is not active on the forum lately.

The panama optimo his son is wearing in the photos looks just like the one I bought at the southside shop a couple of weeks after these photos were taken. Both feature that narrow caramel-colored ribbon.

 

[bowlerman]

Well I made it to Optimo's new downtown Chicago location, first just after they closed for the day but then during business hours the next. I couldn't refrain from ordering and snapping a few pics while there.
It did feel a bit like hat Mecca. I met Graham briefly, and spoke a bit with his wife Trina and mostly with Tiffani, who indeed charms beyond words. Classy folks, classy establishment.

Al's photos are second to none, but I have to say the hats live up to the reputation in fit and finish. In person they are sublime. It's exciting to me since I've exhausted the vintage market in my region.

Here are a few photos, which obviously don't come close to Al's pictorial but this seemed like the best thread for them.

I did not go with the midnight homburg, as my personal stylist/daughter diplomatically advised against it. ;-)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[barrowjh]

Thanks for the photos! Now I want to visit also, next time I'm in Chicago.

 

[KY Crusader]

Optiimo puts out a great hat, and I appreciate you photos and comments. Hope I can visit their shop in person in the not-too-distant future.

 

[SurfGent]

That's a nice looking place. Will have to stop in if I'm ever in the Windy City

 

[mbroadus]

Was in Chicago over the weekend and visited Optimo hats and they more than lived up to their reputation for fine hats and customer service. Tiffany fitted me and my wife for our fall/winter hats and she was an absolute joy. Trinia was also there and we spoke to her for a while, very nice lady. I bought the Trilby style in Heirloom Silver Belly and my wife bought the heirloom 1000 in shark grey. Will have pics when we receive our hats!

 

[mbroadus]

Al's presence is certainly missed. Fortunately he has kept the links to his photos live so that we can continue to enjoy the resource in his absence.

Can someone provide me a link to Al's photos? Thanks

 

[DJH]

First page of this thread, MB

 

[Tonio]

Thought this was worth sharing from their Instagram.

 

[mbroadus]

I already have a panama picked out for summer, Tiffany was kind enough to add the name of the hat to my profile so that I can call back next spring and have it for summer.

 

[Altiori]

Could not agree more with all posts. Optimo produces magnificent hats. What makes it so very special is Tiffani's most friendly and engaging customer service. We did a Skype fitting and the result is the Montecristi below. The hat is looking longingly to go outdoors

but in Savannah we are in the midst of Hurricane Hermine...will be rain, wind, and Powers Irish whiskey today...

 

[RJR]

Could not agree more with all posts. Optimo produces magnificent hats. What makes it so very special is Tiffani's most friendly and engaging customer service. We did a Skype fitting and the result is the Montecristi below. The hat is looking longingly to go outdoors View attachment 56003 but in Savannah we are in the midst of Hurricane Hermine...will be rain, wind, and Powers Irish whiskey today...

Great hat,hope the storm doesn't affect you.

 

[KY Crusader]

Thought this was worth sharing from their Instagram.

View attachment 55328

Now that would be worth seeing!