GBK Celebrity Gifting Suite Oscars!

March 2, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Who watched the Oscar’s this weekend? We love seeing so many talented individuals in one place! Before the ceremonies started, we had the chance to attend the GBK Pre-Oscars Gifting Suite! We met a ton of new and interesting people there, and had the chance to reconnect with some of our old friends! This time, the event was held in a gorgeous Beverly Hills home!

While we were there, we got to check in with our friend Viola Davis. After the event, she went on to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Fences”! By winning this Oscar, she has become the 23rd member of the “Acting Triple Crown” club, by winning an Emmy, Tony, and an Oscar over the course of her career.

Every time we have the opportunity to attend one of these events, we’re reminded of why we do what we do! Sharing all the hat styles we’re so passionate about with people that have equal drive and creativity is an ultimately fulfilling experience. Here are some more of the hot celebrities we got to meet with!

Abigail Pniowsky from Arrival in a Cyclone.

Angell Conwell from Baby Boy in a Summit.

Aldis Hodge from Hidden Figures in a Trilby.

Asia Monet Ray from Dance Moms loved the Wisdom!

Brett Dier from Jane the Virgin and Haley Lu Richardson from the Edge of Seventeen in a Draco and a Cyclone.

Caroline Waterlow from O.J: Made in America in a Summit.

Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa from Kubo and the Two Strings in a Trilby.

Youtube Star Christian Collins in a Trilby.

The Collins brothers finding the right hat for them!

Kurt Krause from Hidden Figures in the Wisdom!

Cullen Moss from Dear John in a Soho.

David Mackenzie from Hell or High Water in an El Dorado.

Doris Morgado from Hall Pass in a Trilby

Doc Rivers, coach of the LA Clippers in a Soho.

Dylan Tarason from The Place Beyond the Pines in a Soho.

Elizabeth Daily from Rugrats in a Cyclone.

Yauni rocking a Summit!

Ezra Edelman, director of O.J: Made in America was stuck between styles!

Haley Lu Richardson from Edge of Seventeen in a Crusher.

Howard Barish from 13th in a Crusher.

Juanjo Gimenez director of Timecode in a Soho.

Vine Star Jessica Vanessa in a Summit

Producer Julie Goldman in a Trilby.

Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars in a Draco.

Kim Magnusson from Helium in a Cyclone.

Laura Slade Wiggins from Rings in a Draco.

Leslie, from American Hat Makers: The Motion Picture.

Leslie and Yauni trying to contain their excitement.

Leslie and Brett Dier.

Linda Park from Jurassic Park III in a Summit.

Lotte Verbeek from The Fault in Our Stars in a Summit.

Mark O’Brien from Arrival in a Summit.

Marci Miller from American Fable in a Summit.

Marsai Martin from Black-ish in the Feedback.

Social Media Star Miss Julia Kelly in a Trilby.

Miles Brown from Black-ish in a Trilby.

Menik Gooneratne from Lion in a Summit.

Steven Bauer from Scarface in a Summit.

Jazmyn Simon from Ballers in a Trilby.

Eric Heisserer from Arrival in a Crusher.

Tommy Chong from Cheech and Chong in a Trilby.

Thomas Barbusca from Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life in a Trilby.

Tehmina Sunny from Argo in a Summit.

Shannon Lanier, host of Arise TV 360 in a Wisdom.

Stephen Kramer Glickman from Big Time Rush in a Cyclone.

Tara Pease in a Draco.

Sam Trammell from True Blood can’t decide what to try on!

Ruth Connell from Supernatural in a Trilby.

Russell Hornsby from Fences in a Summit.

Roger Ross Williams from Life, Animated in a Summit.

Richard Kind from Spin City in a Summit.

Priyanka Bose from Lion in an El Dorado.

Kristof Deak from Sing in a Soho.

All in all, we had a fantastic time at the Pre-Oscars Gifting Suite! Stay tuned for more events like this one, and check out our social media for all the latest as to what’s going on at American Hat Makers.

WESA was amazing!

February 24, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

This year’s WESA show was the best yet! For those that don’t know, the Western-English Sales Association is a trade show dealing with thousands of represented product lines and retailers . The WESA founders launched an initial trade show in Denver in January 1922, with the goal of creating a forum where retailers, manufacturers, and sales representatives could conduct business in an atmosphere of fair trade and fellowship. The resulting Denver International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Markets are the world’s largest trade events for the Equestrian Industry, attracting a constantly growing global audience to Denver’s world-class Markets.

We’ve been attending WESA’s awesome events since the 1980’s. This year, however, was something for the record books! Shortly before the show started, we caught word that the truck we had packed to the brim with all of our show supplies had been totaled in an accident and wouldn’t be making it’s delivery. This meant we would be left without a booth, and without any hats to show! At the last minute, we packed up all the hats we could, and hand carried fourteen boxes onto a plane bound for Denver.

When we arrived at the WESA show and let the staff know what a dire situation we were in, they immediately took us under their wing and turned the whole thing around. They provided us with all the parts necessary to build a booth, and even pointed us in the direction of a retailer that provided us with the exact shelving units we needed to display our hats! After an amazing show of meeting with new customers and reconnecting with old ones, we even won an award for Best Booth! We at American Hat Makers would like to extend a huge thank you to all the astonishing men and women at WESA for turning what could have been a disaster into a positive experience! Without your help, we would not have been able to have the rewarding and fulfilling experience we walked away from this year. We’re all looking forward to next year!

The amazingly talented Lindsey Stirling!

February 20, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Lindsey Stirling is an American violinist, dancer, performance artist, and composer.

She presents choreographed violin performances, both live and in music videos found on her YouTube channel, which she created in 2007. Stirling performs a variety of music styles, from classical to pop and rock to electronic dance music. Aside from original work, her discography contains covers of songs by other musicians and various soundtracks. Her music video, “Crystallize” finished as the eighth-most watched video of 2012, and her cover version of “Radioactive” with Pentatonix won Response of the Year in the first Youtube Music Awards in 2013. Stirling achieved one million singles sold worldwide by August 2014. As of July 2016, her Lindseystomp YouTube channel exceeded 8 million subscribers and over a billion total views. Stirling has been named in Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 In Music: The Class Of 2015. Forbes notes her quarter-finalist position on America’s Got Talent in 2010, a No. 2 position on the Billboard 200 for her second album Shatter Me in 2014, and her 8 million subscribers on YouTube. Stirling’s debut album was a commercial success in Europe, selling 200,000 copies in Germany, winning a platinum certification; three additional certifications were given by Austria, Switzerland and Poland. The debut album was nominated for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards for Top Dance/ Electronic album. Stirling’s second album Shatter Me won the 2015 Billboard Music Awards for Top Dance/Electronic Album. Check out this awesome video, Roundtable Rival, to see just how talented Lindsey is!

Her dancers are always so coordinated and alluring! It’s always such a pleasure watching one of Lindsey’s videos. She’s so obviously passionate about what she does, seeing someone create something so beautiful and genuine is so inspiring!

Lindsey and the Roundtable Rival dancers. The top hat on the left is a Trinket!

Stirling describes her childhood as being raised in a modest household and stated “I would not trade my humble childhood years for anything else. Due to her family’s financial limitations, her parents could only afford to find a violin teacher who would give her half lessons. Told by instructors that “a child isn’t going to learn how to play in 15 minutes a week”, her parents persisted, and at the age of five she began taking violin lessons. You can see where this led!

Lindsey with the Master of Tides dancers. The hats pictured here are the Pipefitter, Kraken, and Trinket!

Nowadays, Lindsey is recording amazing music and stunning crowds with performance pieces like “Master of Tides”. Lindsey partnered with UE Boom to create a live, spontaneous performance piece in a crowded plaza and filmed it with hidden cameras! Check out this one-of-a-kind performance!

Whenever we get the chance to partner with such a unique, creative-minded individual such as Lindsey, we’re reminded of why we do what we do! At American Hat Makers, we strive to create masterful pieces of art, so that artists like Lindsey can achieve their vision and continue to fill the world with captivating and genuine art!

Prosperity Camp

February 17, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

This year’s Prosperity Camp was such a fun and fulfilling experience! For those that don’t know, Prosperity Camp is a 2-day seminar created by Greg Reid where the lucky few that attend have the opportunity to interview and discuss key points of business with a multitude of successful entrepreneurs. The energy, information, and networking we walked away with was invaluable and we left feeling completely fulfilled and ready to improve the way we approach running our company. Along the way we met so many interesting, amazing, and driven people who’s experiences gave valuable insights on many aspects of living your life to it’s full potential.

We at American Hat Maker’s are all about constant improvement in all aspects of life, so we of course jumped at the opportunity to attend such a useful event. Among those we met there was Jeff Hoffman. Jeff is a successful entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, published author, film producer, and a producer of a Grammy-winning jazz album in 2015. He has been the founder of multiple startups, a CEO of both public and private companies, and has served as a senior executive in many capacities. Jeff has been part of a number of well-known companies, including Priceline.com. uBid.com, ColorJar, and more.

Ingenuity + Felt + Leather = American Hat Makers Hybrid Hats

February 1, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

As the world’s leading luxury boutique hat brand for over 40 years American Hat Makers prides itself on creating handmade American products. We are THE Premiere cut and sew facility in the world.

Our hats are unique pieces of art and we are constantly expanding the boundaries and challenging our designers to create hats that engage the fantasies of our customers as well as meet – and exceed – their practical needs. One of our most successful examples of this are our “hybrid hats.”

Garth and Hannah with Don Rongione, President of Bollman Hat Company.

American Hat Makers is the first American hat maker to create felt and leather hats in striking combinations that are both fashionable and fully functional. In order to create our hybrid hats we partnered with Don Rongione from the prestigious Pennsylvania-based Bollman Hat Company for high quality felt products.

Take a moment to learn more about our Ashbury Line which features our hybrid hats:

We call the Ashbury line our Trendsetter Collection because it features some of our most fashion-forward pieces and highlights the playful, artistic marriage of leather and felt.

The Summit

One of our newest additions to the Ashbury Brand, the Summit hat boasts a timeless, classic style.

Emily Swallow wearing a Summit just right!

Made from luxurious full grain American cowhide leathers and lite felt, this hat will take you from the after-hours jazz club to brunch on the bay in style. Choose one of our traditional colors like Black, Pewter, and Saddle, or give your look a little more pizazz and choose a crown in Blood Orange, Navy or Sage.

Summit in Saddle

Summit in Navy

Summit in Black

Summit in Blood-Orange

Summit in Pewter

Summit in Sage

Each crushable hat features a 2 ¾” leather brim and a subtle buckle on the band. Details and quality matter and this hat shows you know how to make your look fashion forward with the Summit Hat Hybrid.

The Trilby

Once known as the “rich mans favored hat” the Trilby is a low-profile classic that brings an air of sophistication to any wardrobe or setting.

Cecilia Balogot in a Pewter Trilby.

Now offered in four colors – from timeless Black to eye-catching Blood-Orange, the Trilby will take your look to another level. Choose the subtle brown of Saddle or the comforting, familiar shade of Pewter to project an air of Cary Grant unruffled cool.

Trilby in Blood-Orange

Trilby in Saddle

Trilby in Pewter

Trilby in Black

With a 4 ¼ inch crown and a leather 1 ½” brim this hat brings an element of style beyond the sum of its parts.

The Richmond

Take your liberty in this revolutionary design of a civil war era cap.

ashbury-summittravis-gillesmarinijimmyjeanlouis-la

Gilles Marini and Jimmy Jean-Louis rocking their style!

Crafted by hand, this stylish lid brings a leather brim and hat band together with a crown of LiteFelt.

Richmond in Blood-Orange

Richmond in Sage

Richmond in Pewter

Richmond in Brown

This union creates an everyday and special event option for your head-topping needs.

To order these wonderful hats, call 1-800-642-3428 as they are not yet available online. Head on over to our website to check out our many other high-quality, hand-made hats designed and manufactured in the USA.

Written for American Hat Makers by Jessica Johnson.

Steampunk Couture!

January 27, 2017American Hat Makers 2 Comments

Steampunk has elevated past a cultural fad and graduated into a way of life. It’s influence can be seen everywhere when it comes to art, television and cinema. Allowing for the uninhibited creation of beautiful masterpieces, steampunk and its’ subgenres has opened entire worlds of artistic possibility. Harnessing the energy and soul of such a powerful movement would be hard, but not impossible.

Kato wearing a limited edition Curio.

Such a daring, unlimited universe would require someone with equal daring and drive! Introducing Kate Lambert, or Kato. Pioneering the steampunk subgenre from the early 2000’s onward, Kato has become one of the biggest faces in the steampunk community. Starting off making post-apocalyptic wear and modelling it on her Myspace page, Kato’s influences drew heavily from Victorian styles mixed with elements from the Mad Max universe and Tank Girl.

Kato showing exactly how to rock a brown Topper.

In 2005 Kato launched Steampunk Couture. Steampunk Couture was founded as a private couture business producing custom-fit clothing and accessories, and was the first company to cater specifically to the steampunk genre. Focusing on high quality with a hand-made touch, this independent label remains as a one-woman team, adding a personal touch while striving to make each collection exciting and unique. Kato releases seasonal collections of limited edition designs throughout the year, as well as vintage finds and accessories.

Rin wearing a limited-edition Pistol.

Another influential name in the world of steampunk is Katrina Wilkinson, or Rin! Rin is a model and college student based in Las Vegas. Rin never had a big interest in becoming a model until she did her first photo shoot for graduation. After that, she continued doing photo shoots for other students, and from there it developed into a passion!

In 2010, Rin discovered the amazing world of steampunk. Rin’s obsession with clockwork and steam-powered machinery put her right at home in the steampunk world. In 2012, after following Kato for quite some time, Rin entered a “Cosplay Kato” contest. Rin was chosen as the winner and was flown up to Portland, Oregon where she modeled for Kato’s clothing line and website. From then on, Rin and Kato became close friends and business partners. Today, Rin’s modelling is used in and inspires many steampunk works. Her unique look and eye for style has made her one of the most recognizable and in-demand steampunk models. For the latest in amazing, high quality steampunk fashion check out Steampunk Couture and Rin’s Facebook!

Face Off!

January 9, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Have you heard of SyFy’s competition series, Face Off? It’s an absolutely crazy show where special effects make-up artists participate in elaborate challenges for a grand prize and the honor of being Hollywood’s next great effects artist.

Gotta get it just right!

We at American Hat Makers love seeing what other creative minds can do, so naturally this show was right up our alley! Seeing the contestants give their all at something they are so passionate about is awe inspiring!

Stunning work!

We’ve been introduced to some really unique and talented individuals such as Cig Neutron! As the love child of 80’s campiness and 50’s sci-fi, Cig Neutron has been creating creatures from his imagination — his “Cig Neutron Universe” — since childhood. He crafts an elaborate story for all the creatures he designs in order to better realize his sculpts.

Mr. Cig Neutron looking gloriously dapper!

He is currently a special effects make-up artist and a freelance sculptor, and co-founder of his company Bizarro Au Go-Go. In 2013, he won the Son of Monsterpalooza costume contest with his Baphomet makeup. Cig and his girlfriend Rani enjoy dressing up in full creature makeup and going out to karaoke bars.

Rani rocking a Draco with her amazing makeup!

We also got to meet the amazing Rachael Wagner! Rachael Wagner is an accomplished makeup artist with a professional concentration in special effects makeup, creating and applying highly realistic prosthetics for film, television and live events. She is a graduate of Make-up Designory’s Master Program and a finalist in multiple IMATS Battle of the Brushes events. She has worked with and for many diverse clientele, including Fall Out Boy, National Geographic, Girl Scouts of America, the Metropolitan Opera, Universal Studios, Hyundai, Nerdist, Syfy, MGMT, Solar City, Sheroes Entertainment LLC , the Magic Castle and DragonCon. Rachael has returned to freelancing after almost a year of working as Global Effects Inc’s project supervisor, a prestigious costume and fabrication shop with whom she had the honor of working on many special projects, including Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Castle, the upcoming film Geostorm and a host of live events including Universal’s stage shows.

Rachael knows how to wear a Garbo just right!

Among others we had the pleasure of interacting with was RJ Haddy! Robert “RJ” Haddy’s goal when he was cast in season two of Face Off was to give his career a push so that he could quit teaching high school and work full time on his art. Mission accomplished. These days, RJ works full time creating special effects and running an e-commerce site selling airbrush equipment, including his own Shadow line of brushes. He hopes that his new confidence and refined techniques will propel him to new heights in the special FX world. He’d like to use the champion’s prize money to build up his airbrush business, and also to allow his mother to retire. His favorite movies with special effects are Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Little Shop of Horrors, Star Wars, Batman (1989), Beetlejuice and Gremlins.

RJ as the Penguin, and Merry Lee.

Seeing our hats grace the heads of such inspiring, driven, and creative individuals is exactly why we do what we do. Being around others who have the same mission to create art and impact the community pushes us to reach for higher standards when it comes to every aspect of the way we do things. Don’t forget to check into Syfy channel on January 24th for the newest season of Face Off and keep an eye out for the latest and greatest in headwear only from American Hat Makers.

Ruby Roxanne Agresta

January 4, 2017American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Ruby Roxanne Agresta is a powerhouse. She is one of those women you meet and later ask yourself, “How does she do it…and how do I get some of that energy?”

Not only does Ruby have a successful business as the creator of Ruby Roxanne Designs leather jewelry and hats, she has been married for 11 years to her handsome husband Jim, and together they raise three beautiful children in Scotts Valley.

She is deeply involved in the art community through her work with Pivot; The Art of Fashion and explores her avant-garde creative side by creating Wearable Art and mentoring teens through FashionTEENS Santa Cruz.

“I love creating very unique pieces that makes one wonder what is that made out of? whether it be a dress, jumpsuit, hat or headpiece,” she said.

I was surprised to learn that Ruby considers herself “kinda shy” because she really does have a big, sparkly personality, just like the wearable art she creates. She is known for her gorgeous, often blinged-out, leather cuffs. (You may well know someone who has been “cuffed” by her – I know I have been!)

It makes sense that, as a designer and stylist, Ruby feels more comfortable behind the scenes, even though she doesn’t fade into the background herself at all.

“I’m very proud of myself for never turning down a challenge. I push myself to think and design outside of the box,” she said.

Her latest challenge has been designing hats for Watsonville-based American Hat Makers Ruby Roxanne Designs and American Hat Makers have joined forces to get their hats seen in the world of high-fashion, and guess what? They are making it happen!

“I didn’t really think I could do it [design hats], but with the encouragement and support of Garth & Hannah Watrous – plus the incredible production team – we came out with a collection of amazing hats,” Ruby said.

And that quest to get their hats seen in the high-fashion world? Well, it’s happening. The hats were featured on the runway at New York Fashion Week for Tumbler & Tipsy and a gold metallic top hat Ruby designed was featured on the cover of Lux-PR Magazine.

KIA STYLE360 Spring 2017

But that is really just the beginning. “I am super excited to announce my new venture with American Hat Makers,” Ruby shared. “Ruby Roxanne Head Couture is a luxury high end wearable art collection of gorgeous hats and head pieces that will make anyone who wears them become ART!”

When I asked Ruby what the keys to her success are she didn’t hesitate, “Having an open mind,” she said. “If I hadn’t been open to working with Garth and Hannah and American Hat Makers I wouldn’t be on this new path.”

It looks like a path to the runway to me!

Badass Elegance with Voodoo Hatter!

December 21, 2016American Hat Makers Leave a comment

Looking for a hat that will set you apart from the crowd? You’ve come to the right place. 19th Century style infused with fierce sensibility and a touch of dark energy make Voodoo Hatter essential to your subversive lifestyle. From hard-kicking rocker to brazen biker or neo-noir grifter, you will make a definitive statement wherever you go.

The Deadwood by Voodoo Hatter

We designed these bad boys to be the kinds of hats you become known for wearing. Formed out of black or brown full-grain smooth leather, our toppers are built to last, and are guaranteed to draw eyes.

voodoo-hatter-stove-piper-black-diamond-inlay-band-a

The Stove Piper w/ Diamond Inlay band by Voodoo Hatter

Featuring laser engraved and airbrushed designs from Adam Rose of Fallen Owl Tattoo, finding more artful hats would be a chore. Adam’s creative vision truly sets these hats apart from the rest.

The Skull ‘N Roses designed by Adam Rose

The Silver Skull designed by Adam Rose

The Balance designed by Adam Rose

Handmade with unsurpassed attention to quality and a discerning eye on the details, each piece is as much an individual statement as it is a cover for your head. Elegantly don a Voodoo topper at an exclusive event, or boldly show off your attitude at a motorcycle rally, it’s truly up to you.

14022095_1092553097459211_857737605797630605_n

They’ve even been said to stay on at 60+ MPH!

When it comes to accessories, hats are the most powerful of all. Nothing sets you apart from the crowd more than a hat from Voodoo Hatter. Utilizing exotic materials hardly found elsewhere, each hat is truly a handmade work of art.

The Caliber, available in black, cigar, rattlesnake, and red.

Accents of rattlesnake and ostrich leg elevate the Caliber to a new level of artisan craft. A dual appliqué accentuates the bold crown to make this one fierce topper!

The Rio Topper by Voodoo Hatter

The Rio Topper is like no other hat in this collection.This hat is made in all black leather, and accented with an intricate appliqué that highlights Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake skin on the front of the crown. The unique hatband is made from double rattles that cross in the front and are tied together with a reproduction 1944 Mercury dime. Just the hat for the elegant Voodoo punk.

The El Dorado w/ Eye Band

Featuring a deer-skin band embellished with a taxidermy eye, the Eye band brings all of the mystique and allure of the Kraken into a minimalist package. Stand out at any event with this elegant topper.

The Silverado by Voodoo Hatter

Reminiscent of a pork pie, but with a distinctively western brim. This hat is low, lean, and mean. Leave the brim flat for a gunslinger look or curl the brim to dial up the attitude.

With hats like these, it’s hard not to make an impact! Next time you’re looking for a powerful accessory that speaks on it’s own, go with those who know best!

Western Perfection with Double G!

December 19, 2016American Hat Makers Leave a comment

You’ve never seen a collection of hats like this. Double G designs are high spirited and fearless. From hard-driving rockers to wild country icons, these are hats made for the boldest of men and women. Inspired by classic western styles, revitalized with exotic materials and top of the line production techniques, these hats are sure to draw attention wherever they go!

american-hat-makers-double-g-hats-durban-copper-2-cord-pop-band-f

The Durban by Double G.

With a decidedly western flavor, styles range from the straight ahead Plainsman to the exotic Durban. Pack one on your next motorcycle trip or throw it on when meeting friends at the ski lodge, these hats don’t discriminate. Wear it to a music festival to show off style and keep you cool and protected from the sun!

double-g-hats-plainsman-black-a_2

The classic Plainsman hat.

These all-leather stunners attract attention wherever you go. Double G hats are crafted from select finished and suede leathers with exotic rattlesnake, deerskin, and fur embellishments. Featuring sewn-in wires in the brim to allow for a wide range of shapes and styles, these hats can be personalized to be just right for you.

The Reno by Double G.

Rather than just show pieces, these hats are as tough, durable, and fully functional as those who inspired their designs.

An aisle of leather used in manufacturing hats.

All Double G Hats are made by hand in Watsonville, California with the same pride and attention to detail we at American Hat Makers have always tried to maintain. We stand behind the quality of our hats and are convinced that you’ll love the hat you decide on. Above and beyond the creation of superior products, we strive to create an environment in which we treat our patrons and employees with compassion and integrity!

14570411_1225332110845997_1557750594207492732_n

Crafting a handmade hat.

Double G is more than just hats. Double G represents over 40 years of tried and true business practices and superior manufacturing quality. Make the jump today and check out a hat that will last you a lifetime!

socialmediahandels

concho

American Hat Makers

We are THE #1 hat manufacturers in North America who produce quality leather hats to fit any personality.

Menu

Widgets

Search

handmade