If you are looking for a statement piece, the Blakesby Optimo Cream Hat with Vintage Ribbon and beading will certainly turn heads. This truly unique piece is handmade in in Adelaide, Australia from rabbit felt.
Blakesby Optimo Cream Hat (57″)
$440.00
Description
This Blakesby Optimo Cream Hat (57″) with vintage turquoise ribbon and beading is sometimes referred to as a safari hat.
Blakesby cuts a distinctive figure in Adelaide’s style scene. He draws inspiration from vintage cinema, classic Americana, and the quiet precision of old-world craftsmanship. As a result, his hats feel deliberate, modern, and rooted in tradition. He began by restoring an old Akubra for a neighbour; that simple project pushed him toward the discipline of bespoke hat making.
He works almost exclusively with premium fur felts. Beaver felt leads his lineup because it shapes cleanly and ages beautifully. Meanwhile, rabbit felt offers a slightly softer hand and invites subtle character over time. He pairs these materials with vintage ribbons, leather sweatbands, and unusual trims he sources from independent makers. Consequently, every hat carries a sense of rarity.
Blakesby builds fedoras, Western brims, porkpies, and homburgs. He blocks each crown by hand, then sculpts the brim with steam until the profile feels balanced. Next, he adds custom ventilation patterns or tonal ribbons to sharpen the silhouette. His process stays intimate and meticulous.
Writers at The Adelaide Review and InDaily have profiled his rise, and Hugh Sheridan has stepped out in his designs. Still, Blakesby keeps his focus on craft. Ultimately, he wants his hats to outlive trends and move confidently with the wearer.
Additional information
| Weight | 170 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 42 × 35 × 13 cm |
