Vintage Silhouettes Custom Hats - Official Affiliate Thread

[Rabbit]

Tropicalbob, here are some older photos of my VS Montecristi Panamas showing the result of different Panama blocks which I believe is what you're after.

The photos in my Photobucket account are still there, but they don't show up because the monthly bandwidth limit has been exceeded. I have posted a comment just now in the Esquire thread. If you have any questions or comments, please post them over there.

On with the Panamas...


Montecristi Panama 26x28 weave count (700-800 wpsi)

Teardrop with spine line at the crown roof, 13 ligne black ribbon. Brim is 2.5" front and back, 2 3/4" at the sides.

 

[Rabbit]

VS 28x28 - 750+wpsi reddish straw 2 3/8" brim

 

[Rabbit]

Comparison photos

Collage and top view of VS 750wpsi, 1250wpsi, 750wpsi reddish, 550wpsi

1250wpsi versus 750wpsi in two topview closeups





250wpsi (not blocked by Art) versus VS 550wpsi:

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

nik the attachment files are not working.

 

[Rabbit]

nik the attachment files are not working.

So I noticed. They did work for a short time after posting, then they showed up the way they do now. [huh]

I'll upload them just once more. If they still don't show up now, I wouldn't know what to do about it.

 

[bond]

Really Nice hats Nik. Why does the 750 have the optimo looking crease on the side of the hat?
Curious as I be not seen anything like that before

 

[Rabbit]

Really Nice hats Nik. Why does the 750 have the optimo looking crease on the side of the hat?
Curious as I be not seen anything like that before

You're right, the Panama block that was used for this hat is rather special. Take a good look at the linked enlarged images and you'll see that there is also an optimo "spine" from front to back throughout the crown, in addition to the "spine" line you noticed, located on each side and not extending into the crown roof.

I'm calling it a spine because as far as I know, the Optimo line took its inspiration from the look of a reptile's spine as we can see it through the animal's skin.

Adding a spine-like crease is apparently not uncommon for non-optimo Panamas. My other VS Panamas have a less conspicuous crease on the crown roof only. I asked for this feature because I like the added visual interest.

The crease on all of these VS non-optimos doesn't look exactly like an optimo crease, though.


Here is RLK's VS Dualist with a telescope crown and spine lines at the side and front:



One of Che's Panamas reblocked by Art with a spine line at the sides:

 

[Rabbit]

VS 33x38 - 1250wpsi clear ivory 3-4th-brim

 

[bond]

Interesting . Thanks for explaining that Nik .
I Really like that 1250 a lot , looks perfect.

 

[tropicalbob]

Rabbit, thank you very much for the photos. As the weather down here has just turned tropical, I'm getting a bit more anxious for a decent straw. I just picked up a Stetson Renaissance that I'm getting more accustomed to every day, but Art's hats seem to be calling. Thanks again.

 

[NewJack]

Good afternoon! As a new member, I am solo happy to here! (though it may be the start of a new addiction!) I must say that since I purchased my first western hat 2 months ago, I have been purchasing quality hats (the ones I could afford, anyway) such as Stetson, Resistol, ext. I own a Dobbs Golden Coach model (My first Fedora) with a 2 3/8 in snap brim and 4 3/4 in. crown in black fur felt. I had never worn the hat more than once since I purchased new about 8 years ago. Suffice it to say that while seeking more information about fedoras and wishing to add to my newly cooled western/crossover styles, I came upon the Fedora Lounge and that was it! I am floored by the plethora of information and the knowledge and experience of those who participate and share information in the related threads! Having said, I took the suggestions of a members and checked the the site of Art Fawcett and others and needless to say, I am floored by the designs and their history and guess what? I'm hooked!! I have browsed Art Fawcett and others' sites and now, I want a custom fedora...or two..or three! Thanks Art and the rest who follow this thread for a new addiction!!! Thanks for the lessons guys!! I'll be tuning in more and more! (Now...where did I put that other credit card....?)

 

[hatsRme]

You WILL enjoy the ride. Welcome, NewJack!

 

[Art Fawcett]

LOL.. Welcome to the Lounge NewJack!!! It's a relatively painless affliction.

 

[NewJack]

Thanks fellas for letting an old new novice enter into the gates of this city!

 

[NewJack]

Art, I'm going to look you up! I think I have few coins to spare! Just come in from J&J's Hatters in NY City and your name is well known-especially in this lounge!

 

[Bruce Wayne]

It looks like the weather will be nice enough this Saturday for me to enjoy my first VS hat. My second hand panama is arriving on Friday.

 

[Loz Dawes]

A massive thanks to Art for this outstandingly beautiful Porkie...

 

[Rabbit]

An updated version of the collages of VS hats owned by Loungers


I have posted most of these collages before - in the Hall of Fame, around Christmas 2012. I feel they belong here as well and will be more easily found in this newer, shorter thread.

Newly added are the limestone felt, the handmade Milans, and a compilation of felts with silk ("scratch") finish. The newer, darker Black Cherry dye and the various non-felts are also there, along with the full set of felt colors.

 

[Rabbit]

Complete VS felt color collages Part I


VS Black:

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VS Black Cherry - first version (less dark, more colorful):

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VS Black Cherry - newer dye (darker, less intensely colored):

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VS Blue Smoke:

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VS Camel:

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VS Charcoal:

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VS Chocolate:

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VS Dark Moss:

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VS Dove:

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VS Forest:

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[Rabbit]

Complete VS felt color collages Part II


VS Granite:

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VS Ivory:

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VS Light Sage:

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VS Midnite:

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VS Mojave:

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VS Natural:

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VS Oxblood:

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VS Pecan:

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VS Powderblue:

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VS Rust:

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