The Italian house has been manufacturing its hats for 160 years in its original city of Alessandria, Italy. 

The beginnings of the brand 

It was in 1857 that its creator, Giuseppe Borsalino, opened his hat-making workshop in Alessandria, Italy. After 7 years of training in Paris to learn the hatmaker's trade, young Giuseppe wished to become great. Thanks to his curiosity, he revolutionized the world of hat-making with innovative and ingenious industrial machines. He thus anticipated the trend as early as the 19th century and won numerous awards at international competitions.

The consecration 

Borsalino only uses luxury materials with rabbit fur or beaver fur: The Borsalino hat is the first range of the famous Italian brand of headwear and is the classic item par excellence. The flagship model has a classic fedora shape in Borsalino, with black being the color. Its brim is raised all around the back and lowered in front. It quickly becomes a must-have in fashion and is especially beloved by celebrities.

Below is the classic shape in grey color

An iconic model 

Made famous by the 7th art, particularly thanks to the 1970 film Borsalino, directed by Jacques Deray with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon as headliners, the story of two young criminals who become friends and quickly become the kings of the underworld in Marseille.

Often associated with the Italian underworld and its criminals, the Borsalino model is also known for the quality of Italian craftsmanship and materials used. Thus, it quickly becomes a luxury hat, sold in the chic avenues of New York and the grand Parisian department stores. Celebrities, both male and female, such as Johnny Depp, Frank Sinatra, Rihanna, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell are also fans of this iconic hat, constantly increasing its popularity. 

 Disruptions for the brand 

Unfortunately, it was in April 2015 that the turbulence began, when the former boss of Borsalino, Marc Marenco, was accused of fraud and tax evasion, thus affecting the company's sustainability. Despite a return to profitability, the company struggled to keep its head above water, particularly due to a debt to its suppliers amounting to nearly 18 million euros. Not to mention that a recovery plan, aimed at repaying debts and allowing the company to restart on a good footing, was rejected in December 2017. Meanwhile, Borsalino celebrated its 160th anniversary and continues its production, which represents 150,000 hats per day, still made in the famous city of Alessandria...

If you too wish to stroll the streets with a magnificent Borsalino hat, you can find them on our Traclet hat shop website with a selection just for you!

As well as in our shop in Roanne at 4 rue de Cadore 42300 Roanne.

Treat yourself to the best in hats, with the Borsalino brand and its models made in Italy from rabbit felt, according to the company's century-old tradition.