Vintage Silhouettes Custom Hats - Official Affiliate Thread

[Blare]

I don’t know you Art. We’ve never met. I have, however, talked to you a few times on the phone. We chatted briefly each time, you took my orders and I am proud to say that I own three very special and unique VS hats. I am very thankful to you for each one of them.

I don’t know you, Art, but I know something about the person who is Art Fawcett. I know you by your dedication to hats and by a set of skills that shows something of the man behind the hats. To craft hats as you do, it is obvious that you are patient and you are detail oriented. You do things right and you do them the right way. It is also obvious that you are a lifelong learner. You did not get to your level of skill by doing the same things over and over. Experience counts for a lot, that is true, but it takes someone who wants to know more and wants to learn more to become a true master. You “own” your hats, Art, and I think, above all else, that is what makes them…and you… very special. You are a master craftsman not because we the customers want you to be, but because you want to be. You build hats to the highest standards not because we want you to, but because you want to. That’s ownership and that’s why your hats mean so much to us. Because you took time to create something of your own hands for us, your hats mean a lot more than just the felt and the thread and the ribbon. You have shared some of yourself with each of us through your hats, Art, and for that we will always be grateful.

Finally, and with no real authority but with a heart full of thanks and admiration, as a representative of Comanche and Hamilton counties, Texas, we say to you, “You have done well, Art Fawcett, and we are proud to call you one of our own”.

We will miss your hats but don’t be a stranger to the Lounge. Your hat making days may be over but we expect you to post the hats you are wearing for many years to come! Have a great and happy retirement, Art.

Sincerely,

Randy McCamey

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Well said Randy

 

[MrFusion]

Been quite awhile since I posted here. I was surprised to find Art's site basically down a few weeks ago so I checked here to find out what was going on.
Congrats Art on your retirement! I'm sad for us but thrilled for you!
I am lucky to have two of Art's hats and was planning on another when I found out that he retired. Art was great to work with when I got my hats and his level of craftsmanship is difficult to come by now. I have quite a few hats in my collection but none fit me like my Art Fawcett Customs!
(Raising a glass to you Art) Slàinte Mhath!

 

[Héctor Fernández]

I didn't have the opportunity to purchase one of your hats, but I wish you a happy retirement. I'm retired and I'm telling you, you are going to love it

I'm looking forward to get a hat from David and I'm glad the VS legacy will continue.

Enjoy it sir!

 

[Art Fawcett]

I don’t know you Art. We’ve never met. I have, however, talked to you a few times on the phone. We chatted briefly each time, you took my orders and I am proud to say that I own three very special and unique VS hats. I am very thankful to you for each one of them.

I don’t know you, Art, but I know something about the person who is Art Fawcett. I know you by your dedication to hats and by a set of skills that shows something of the man behind the hats. To craft hats as you do, it is obvious that you are patient and you are detail oriented. You do things right and you do them the right way. It is also obvious that you are a lifelong learner. You did not get to your level of skill by doing the same things over and over. Experience counts for a lot, that is true, but it takes someone who wants to know more and wants to learn more to become a true master. You “own” your hats, Art, and I think, above all else, that is what makes them…and you… very special. You are a master craftsman not because we the customers want you to be, but because you want to be. You build hats to the highest standards not because we want you to, but because you want to. That’s ownership and that’s why your hats mean so much to us. Because you took time to create something of your own hands for us, your hats mean a lot more than just the felt and the thread and the ribbon. You have shared some of yourself with each of us through your hats, Art, and for that we will always be grateful.

Finally, and with no real authority but with a heart full of thanks and admiration, as a representative of Comanche and Hamilton counties, Texas, we say to you, “You have done well, Art Fawcett, and we are proud to call you one of our own”.

We will miss your hats but don’t be a stranger to the Lounge. Your hat making days may be over but we expect you to post the hats you are wearing for many years to come! Have a great and happy retirement, Art.

Sincerely,

Randy McCamey

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Wow Randy, Thank you so much for these words. You have said what i have felt for many years but have never expressed publicly. It's absolutely true that i have always strived to be the best I CAN BE, regardless of anyone elses opinions, always knowing it can be better ( whatever "it" is). Thank you Gentlemen for ALL of your kind words as they will fill my heart as I move on to new adventures. I really AM looking forward to learning what i can about upholstery with my son and trying to bring my hands to that field. As to hats, I have loved every minute, have made friendships that will last forever in my thoughts, and will feed my soul always. This is not goodbye, the Lounge is part of my family so that cannot happen.

 

[Lefty W.]

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Art did a great job on your glacier hat there, Randy.

I remember when I ordered my first hat from Art a few years ago. In our phone conversation, he mentioned that he does not make "cartoon" hats, or something to that effect. After seeing years worth of his very elegant work, I understand what he means.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I join with all the others in thanking you Art for your great hats and gentlemanly demeanor. It was a pleasure to deal with you and it’s an honor to own several of your hats.

I currently have five hats at VS where David Gibson is continuing to carry the torch. I know he won’t let me down as I’ve enjoyed his work for a few years as he did refurbishment work at VS. I’ve asked for a range of hat styles and I hope to showcase David’s work when they are completed. It’s nice to know that VS will continue.

 

[Art Fawcett]

I join with all the others in thanking you Art for your great hats and gentlemanly demeanor. It was a pleasure to deal with you and it’s an honor to own several of your hats.

I currently have five hats at VS where David Gibson is continuing to carry the torch. I know he won’t let me down as I’ve enjoyed his work for a few years as he did refurbishment work at VS. I’ve asked for a range of hat styles and I hope to showcase David’s work when they are completed. It’s nice to know that VS will continue.

Thank you Brent

 

[hatsRme]

Well, Art, several years and several hats have passed between us, but it only seems like the blink of an eye!

As you re-invent Art Fawcett, here’s best wishes for continued happiness!!

While Oregon is generally outside of my travel circles and we’ve never met face-to-face, I absolutely plan on shaking your hand when you get to Florida!!

On to the next chapter, @Art Fawcett !!!

 

[Art Fawcett]

I look forward to it Charlie

 

[Roanoke Jim]

I was only able to squeeze in two of Art’s creations into my collection but it included this beauty that arrived just last Friday. Thanks for everything Art and best wishes in your retirement

 

[Rmccamey]

A classic VS. Wear it with pride.

I was only able to squeeze in two of Art’s creations into my collection but it included this beauty that arrived just last Friday. Thanks for everything Art and best wishes in your retirement View attachment 212481

 

[LuvMyMan]

Art is a great person and Hatter...wonder who actually was lucky to get the last of the run of his hat being made? Sort of like owning a tribute to all the perfection!

You may miss making a hat now and then, but you sure have earned the time to simply kick back and do NOTHING but what ever the hell you want to do for the day! Bless you! Stay Happy!

 

[Art Fawcett]

Art is a great person and Hatter...wonder who actually was lucky to get the last of the run of his hat being made? Sort of like owning a tribute to all the perfection!

You may miss making a hat now and then, but you sure have earned the time to simply kick back and do NOTHING but what ever the hell you want to do for the day! Bless you! Stay Happy!

Thank you Ma'am, I appreciate the kind words. As for the "last hat' it is going to a client here in Oregon that has become a great friend and did NOT ask for my last hat. He just wanted another one of mine. The last hat is a surprise as he hasn't received it yet.

 

[belfastboy]

Thank you Ma'am, I appreciate the kind words. As for the "last hat' it is going to a client here in Oregon that has become a great friend and did NOT ask for my last hat. He just wanted another one of mine. The last hat is a surprise as he hasn't received it yet.

Can you remember the first hat off your line? I wonder if it is still out there on a head somewhere???

 

[Art Fawcett]

It was a 1930s style I called "Eddie G" as a tribute to Edward G Robinson . It was my first limited edition

 

[deadlyhandsome]

David said he’s aiming at two month delivery times on hats ordered now. I have an order from October that is also still two months out which puts it at 5-6 months which still isn’t unreasonable. I think once we get through this transition period he’ll have more consistent completion times. A few small transitional hiccups are to be expected.

VS has my hare felt and my nutria felt and I’m really interested to see how they turn out.

 

[ChiTownScion]

Can't remember if I posted this before or not.

I asked Art to make me a fedora that resembled the one frequently worn by Howard Hughes, and he did. Liked it SO much that I wore it on a vacation trip to Oregon (Where I now reside, tyvm.) and had this taken of me in the pilot's seat of the H-4 Hercules (the "Spruce Goose") at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

I like my hat better than Howard's... but I'm biased.

 

[Tukwila]

Can't remember if I posted this before or not.

I asked Art to make me a fedora that resembled the one frequently worn by Howard Hughes, and he did. Liked it SO much that I wore it on a vacation trip to Oregon (Where I now reside, tyvm.) and had this taken of me in the pilot's seat of the H-4 Hercules (the "Spruce Goose") at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

I like my hat better than Howard's... but I'm biased.

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That Spruce Goose is about 2 miles from our place. Love the hat!

 

[belfastboy]

Can't remember if I posted this before or not.

I asked Art to make me a fedora that resembled the one frequently worn by Howard Hughes, and he did. Liked it SO much that I wore it on a vacation trip to Oregon (Where I now reside, tyvm.) and had this taken of me in the pilot's seat of the H-4 Hercules (the "Spruce Goose") at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon.

I like my hat better than Howard's... but I'm biased.

View attachment 215090

We visit McMinnville regularly, love the RV park across the way from the Museum. The first time we walked into the main hall of the museum my wife remarked...."Where the hell is this Spruce Goose thing?" I was flabbergasted as it was this monster that takes up the entire back wall. We spoke to one of the volunteer hosts and he said it was not uncommon for folks to miss seeing it as it is so huge the human eye has a problem taking it in, in its entirety and it is missed initially until one gets closer, then sees detail and then can begin to take it in, in all of its immense size.

 

[belfastboy]

Art, in the YouTube video of you making a fedora you demonstrate using denatured alcohol. Does it come under another name, perhaps a brand name or? I cannot find anything called denatured alcohol up here in Canada and am loathe to buy the wrong thing. I am assuming it is very different from rubbing alcohol or Isopropyl ??