struck it rich

fabricating + designing hats was the first avenue explored + committed to as a designer. several teachers shared techniques of hat construction, laying the foundation, supporting interpretation + manipulation, of the materials + process, resulting in a voice, unique to myself. 

my last mentor, Raymond Panice, is as legit as they come. making hats in Chicago for over 60 years, his tricks of the trade are unrivaled. I was fortunate to work with him, for over a year and a half, learning what it takes to make a proper hat + when he wasnt looking, how to alter + “update” that proper hat. 

our friendship + respect flourished, continuing to thrive, even after the recent closing of his shops doors. on several of my visits he gifted me small pieces of equipment, irons, a rounding jack, a trimmer, most that had been edited by Raymond for me. this trip to Chicago I paid homage, to the hats that defined several years of my life. blocks collected, tools acquired + hats designed will physically represent, but never capture loves of my life.