A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend In Chicago, Part 1
The weekend began somewhat inauspiciously as I discovered a split seam on the pair of dress pants I had intended to wear for a concert Saturday evening. Luckily, after a few phone calls Lydia found Maria and her Golden Needle European Tailoring. Maria is a fantastic tailor who typically works her magic on couture dresses, but undertook a perfect emergency repair on my slacks, for which I am grateful.
Terracotta frieze adorning the exterior of Maria's shop on the Near North Side of Chicago.
From the Near North Side to the South Side. A hat lover's Mecca: Optimo Hats.
Peering in the window, I could already feel my pulse quicken.
My Optimo Milan has returned home for a visit, welcomed by its brethren. Graham has started making straw hats for women this season.
Pair of flangers.
A beautiful collection of antique flanges above the bench.
Hat blocks, mostly early 20th century American and French examples.
With the unofficial start of Summer just a few days away, we were anxious to take a look at Graham's gorgeous Milans and Montecristis. I especially wanted to evaluate the Optimo style Montecristi, and really liked this wonderful example, with a 3" brim.
The narrower ribbon complements and showcases the finely woven straw.
The weekend began somewhat inauspiciously as I discovered a split seam on the pair of dress pants I had intended to wear for a concert Saturday evening. Luckily, after a few phone calls Lydia found Maria and her Golden Needle European Tailoring. Maria is a fantastic tailor who typically works her magic on couture dresses, but undertook a perfect emergency repair on my slacks, for which I am grateful.
Terracotta frieze adorning the exterior of Maria's shop on the Near North Side of Chicago.
From the Near North Side to the South Side. A hat lover's Mecca: Optimo Hats.
Peering in the window, I could already feel my pulse quicken.
My Optimo Milan has returned home for a visit, welcomed by its brethren. Graham has started making straw hats for women this season.
Pair of flangers.
A beautiful collection of antique flanges above the bench.
Hat blocks, mostly early 20th century American and French examples.
With the unofficial start of Summer just a few days away, we were anxious to take a look at Graham's gorgeous Milans and Montecristis. I especially wanted to evaluate the Optimo style Montecristi, and really liked this wonderful example, with a 3" brim.
The narrower ribbon complements and showcases the finely woven straw.
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