Graham Thompson Talks Optimo Hat While Polishing Shoes | Kirby Allison Shoe Shine Sunday

[@fiddletown2002]

It's a treat to see Graham again, even if only on-line. There used to be a hat shop around here, and Graham would visit with his trunk show each year. The proprietor, however, retired, and the shop is long gone. That's kind of academic for me since I acquired enough Optimo hats from Graham to last me several lifetimes (unless I grow a couple more heads). But I miss visiting with him. His hats are special and not comparable to normal production hats -- even the best production hats. All my Optimos were made for me. Graham would show me the colors and weights of fur felts he had for that year's production. We'd talk about what colors and/or styles I could stand to add to my wardrobe. I'd choose my colors and design elements -- brim width, brim edge treatment, band color, width and bow, crown height, and crease. Graham would take measurement to decide on size. In a few months I'd get a call that my hats were ready. I believe I bought my last Optimo about 8 years ago. I wear an Optimo every day (have some Panamas from Graham for the summer). They're all in great shape and have many years life left in them. And I wear them in all sorts of weather without problem or drama. His shoe polishing techniques are beside the point. He makes great hats and is a charming gentleman.

[@ihopetowin]

Those machines are an artistic expression of their time. The hats created with them are a reflection of the machines beauty, wonder and extraordinary engineering. Lovely programme to watch, thank you.

[@allen31951]

I own 2 of Graham’s hats. Amazing craftsmanship. When in Chicago a visit to his shops would be well worth someone’s time.

[@matthewcook2314]

This guy is my neighbor. He is genuinely one of the coolest people I have ever met.

[@secondchancesminnewashta7612]

Brilliant idea Kirby...Bringin' it!

[@MrEmahony]

Nice video - enjoyed while polishing my belts. One request - in future with other guests who don't know as much about polishing - please give them some advice on polishing during the interview. Graham was very engaged in the conversation, but also seemed to be struggling at times!

[@chusamusic1409]

Major respect for Graham, most people "forget" to mention their predecessors and teachers.👍👍👍

[@kirbyallison]

He's a great guy and makes incredible hats!

[@marcuslopez6088]

Kirby Allison is sitting with a legend Hat Maker to say the least!!

[@frothybeaver4869]

Met this man twice and rosa’s blues club in Chicago. I wear his hats while playing harmonica busking on the streets downtown often.

[@nodieusa]

1- Great looking boots 2- Dude has no idea what to do with them 3- Takes some serious skill to shine and interview simultaneously. Well done Kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. Thanks!

[@jaasparada7889]

Good afternoon, I have one question, what is the value differentiation, with Optimo hats compered to Akubra or Stetson? thanks

[@Tudorrevival118]

Bill Burr doppelgänger. I will have to check out your shop!

[@jcharlesbayliss]

I'm watching this cleaning my Optimo hat

[@kgl0002]

Hey Kirby, I was wondering what you think of Peters Brothers hats in Fort Worth. They seem to be the only hat maker in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that will do custom fittings. Do you have any experience with them and if you do what are your thoughts. Or do you have any other recommendations for hat stores that is local to Dallas

[@benjaminschell2062]

I am shing my shoes for services as i watch this video.

[@kirbyallison]

Great!

[@nandoshinesasmr5214]

Great video of shoe shine

[@MohammadRauf1]

Graham is like screw this gimme hat!

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

Is it true Graham is opening up shop in Hawaii?

[@moochs_vids]

This is my dad! Newt at The Royal sells our hats in Honolulu

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

@@moochs_vids thank you!

[@kephrarubin]

Man I didn't realize felt was supposed to be made out of natural fibers and not like... recycled soda bottles lol

[@23spf]

Graham has absolutely no idea how to shine his shoes. It's actually hard to watch him struggle. Maybe in future episodes you could make sure your guest is comfortable shinning shoes. After all, I believe that is what the show is based around no?

[@animalfatisfuel]

Agreed, this interview is a disaster. I can't focus on the questions or answers since Graham is so uncomfortable.