TheMadHatter:TheOptimoHatShopinChicago-Remodelista

The Mad Hatter: The Optimo Hat Shop in Chicago - Remodelista
Photography by Xssy via Flickr (except where noted).
Johnny Depp is a fan—and so are we. Optimo Hats received its new name in 1995 (with Thompson at the helm) and has since been the go-to hat shop for both movie stars and locals.
Here is a one-minute video of Optimo – one of the last remaining traditional hat shops in the world.
Owner Graham Thompson in his shop holding a felt hat.
(Photo by American Craftmans Project).
Hats on display for clients to see, feel, and try.
(Photo by Optimo.)
An Optimo Montecristi Panama (originally made in Eduador).
The Milan, an all-time classic straw hat.
(Photo by American Craftsman Project).
The Felt hats are made from wild furs and come in several colors and ribbon options.
A Singer sewing machine at work while making a hat for a lucky customer.
Molds, ribbon, and machinery are all part of the hat production.
A chalkboard is used to display the different hat options, services, and prices.
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