THREE CHEERS FOR SAN DIEGO HAT COMPANY

We just got a peek at the new San Diego Hat Co. catalogue for Spring ’08 and we’ve taken the liberty of calling it a smashing success.

What makes this catalogue so great is the marriage between fashion trends and hat design. Consumers need a reason to buy a hat, and if they can make a fashion statement at the same time, it’s all the better.

There is a section called “Nautical and Retro Hawaiian Resort Wear” that touches on the combination of red, white and blue with knit stripes. We saw a few of these caps last year so we assume they sold well (and that’s a good thing). Usually repeats are not a good thing (think “Desperate Housewives”) but in this case it is great. The trend is still hot - and happening - and the styles are right-on.

Their handbags with matching hats (that many companies are doing) is a great way to pick up extra dollars at the cash register. It’s too bad it doesn’t come with a few gallons of unleaded.

We applaud San Diego Hat Company for their bold embrace of fashion and their ability to take a chances on style, color and theme.