Mad or not...
As I travel, I like to purchase hats that are representative of the local culture. Will be in Florence & Rome late April/early May, and would like to purchase one (or two) so I have a memento of the trip that I can wear for years to come. Not looking for some cheap 'souvenir' that screams tourist, but something that is a timeless representative of the Italian culture. An understated fashion accessory, if you will.
A nice sports coat would also be appreciated.
Grazie
See if my friend Roberto Calamai can help you. He’s at the San Lorenzo Market in Florence.
He lived in Honolulu a bit and has a wife from Hawaii so he speaks decent English.
Roberto Calamai's Hats
+39 347 115 8983
https://www.facebook.com/100063649116733/about/?_rdr
Roberto's Hats looks great and I will check them out as well when I am in town this summer.
I would also suggest looking at the local Borsalino store. I plan on spending my travel budget here.
Boutique Venezia Marco Polo
Viale Galileo Galilei, 30/1, Venice
While they are expensive, they are an Italian legend blocked (formed) in Alessandria. Their Ecuadoran straw fedoras, for example, range from high quality (fino) at $350 to heirloom quality (super/ultra fino) at $1,600 +.
Please let me know what your find.
https://www.grevi-shop.com has a shop in Florence, via de' Fossi 9.
Borsalino has also a shop in Florence, via Porta Rossa 40
