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

The brand's beginnings 

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

The consecration 

Borsalino only uses luxury materials with rabbit 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 at Borsalino, with black being its signature color. Its brim is raised all around the back and lowered in front. It quickly became a fashion must-have and is especially beloved by celebrities.

Below is the classic shape in gray color

An iconic model 

Made famous by the 7th art, particularly thanks to the 1970 film Borsalino, directed by Jacques Deray starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon, the story of two young criminals who become friends and quickly become 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 became a luxury hat, sold in the chic avenues of New York and major Parisian department stores. Both male and female celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Frank Sinatra, Rihanna, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell are also fans of this legendary hat, continuously increasing its popularity. 

 Disruptions for the brand 

Unfortunately, the turbulence began in April 2015, when Borsalino's former boss, Marc Marenco, was accused of fraud and tax evasion, thus affecting the company's sustainability. Despite a return to profitability, the company struggles 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 to repay debts and allow the company to restart on good foundations was rejected in December 2017. Meanwhile, Borsalino celebrated its 160th anniversary and continues its production of 150,000 hats/day, still made in the famous city of Alessandria...

If you too want to walk the streets wearing 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 Roanne shop 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, following the company's century-old tradition.