ISO: Someone to make a Medici hat

ISO: Someone to make a Medici hat

Hat enthusiast that I am, I'm interested in locating someone in Chicago who can make me at least one (and perhaps more) hats in the style of Cosimo de Medici (aka, Cosimo Il Vecchio).

This hat, though similar to the Afghan pokol, is lighter weight, less bulky, and has a taller and thinner band around the bottom.

I checked with Ray at New World Hatters, and he said it was outside his range (the material of this hat is probably a lightweight flannel of some sort, and Ray, at 83, is not in the mood for learning new hat-making skills; I don't blame him).

Here's what the hat looks like:

David,

Have you tried Medici on 57th, either the restaurant or bakery? The bakery is probably your best bet, their bread is excellent and they seem quite innovative.

Enjoy,
Gary

Hammond--

Recently, one of those Chicago Works shows featured a place in the city that is among the world's top fraternal regalia manufacturers. They make robes, hats, etc. for all soerts of secret societies, from Freemasons to Mardi Gras (and Gasparilla) Crewes. No doubt there's a Sons of Italy, Unione d'Italia, or Knights of Colombus enthusiast out there who has ordered such headgear. Plus they can make whatever you want out of wonderful materials. Otherwise, they can probably send you in the right direction.

Wish I could recal the name, but it's one of those classic old "Only in Chicago" (indeed, I think that's the show's title) places with a low-key name like "Chicago Fraternal Regalia, Inc."

Good luck.

There is a custom millinery shop in Highland Park:

Ooh-La-La
464 Central Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-5646

If they cannot do themselves, they have quite a range of contacts they can refer you to. My favorite Russian fur hat was crushed and for all purposes rendered junk. As a last chance before tossing, I brought it to this shop. They could not do it but referred me to a company in Ohio.

Jeff and C2, thanks.

Haven't located Chicago Fraternal Regalia, Inc, but I did find some similar places.

Hammond

I just remembered, it was this place:

http://www.nvo.com/lauterer

Practically in the Loop. Oddly, the City website doesn't seem to have anything on it's show, which I now know is called "Chicago Works" and has the regular feature, "Made in Chicago," which always fascinates.

Hey, thanks Jeff. Maybe I'll get a fez while I'm at it.

Hammond