A BIT OF BARON HAT TRIVIA – AND A CORRECTION

Mark Mejia owner of Baron Hats	Top Hat worn by hipsters in Japan

In our hat chat with Baron Hat owner Mark Mejia we heard about a hot hat trend – The Top Hat. “This favorite hat is the classic Fred Astaire silk-satin covered top hat that is collapsible,” said Mejia. (In the last newsletter I quoted Tom and it is really Mejia who rules the roost there).

Because Baron makes hats for companies in Japan, they have found that the "Gothic Lolita" is a very popular style. “It's basically a miniature top hat, much like the one that Nicole Kidman wore in "Moulin Rouge". They love them in bright primary colors and wear them cocked as far to one side of the head as possible!” said Mejia.

Other popular styles for young people are porkpies and bowlers. “As for Baby Boomers, I would have to say they are extremely interested in hats. But what they are looking for is quality. Since my hats are hand custom made, we get lots of requests from boomers who know what quality is, and they are tired of see everything turning to junk,” adds Mejia.

Baron hats are so popular that CEO's and executives fly half way around the world to come to their shop for a special fitting.

“I create a special block for them and we talk (sometimes for hours) about what they want, going over styles and materials. I'm amazed how these busy men will take so much time and come back again and again, just to have the prefect hat made (and fitted) to their exact specifications. In fact, there have been so many requests for this kind of service, that I've started a "go to them" service,” adds Mejia.

“For a price, I will fly anywhere in the world and bring all my ‘tools’ and go to their homes or offices to create the perfect hat!”