The Art of the Hatmaker
Three years in the making
The result is a visually stunning book which celebrates Optimo’s first 25 years in business. The book tracks the birth of Optimo on Chicago’s southside, from founder Graham Thompson’s apprenticeship with legendary Hatmaker Johnny Tyus to the current day.
Years of research & memories have been condensed into The Art of the Hatmaker — illustrating the incredible amount of work that goes into making an Optimo. From the weaving of the legendary Montecristi straw in Ecuador to the felting of fine furs in Portugal to the custom molds in London — all the efforts honored in the Optimo workshop are too memorialized in the book.
Years of research & memories have been condensed into The Art of the Hatmaker — illustrating the incredible amount of work that goes into making an Optimo. From the weaving of the legendary Montecristi straw in Ecuador to the felting of fine furs in Portugal to the custom molds in London — all the efforts honored in the Optimo workshop are too memorialized in the book.
Along the way, The Art of the Hatmaker introduces some of our fabulous clients from all around the world — sharing stories of what their hats mean to them.
This 325 page book gives the reader an in depth look at Optimo’s quest to make the world’s finest hats.
This 325 page book gives the reader an in depth look at Optimo’s quest to make the world’s finest hats.
