Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
It’s the savviest accessory for summer 2011. Yes, the hat is back. Here’s the scoop on the trend you’ll definitely want to sport.
Yee-haw, hats are making a comeback. This season, expect to see everything from panamas, fedoras, to good old cowboy head-swag.This must-have 2011 accessory is a sexy, stylish way to shade the sun, and you can catch these cool caps being sported by A-list celebs.
However, we have a home-grown hat guy right here in AZ.
His name is Richard Glisson, owner of Heritage Hats—the largest custom cap shop in the Valley.
“I actually started selling hats on the back of my 1978 pick-up truck. We would go to horse shows, rodeos, and that type of stuff,” said Richard Glisson, owner of Heritage Hats.
Yep, Glisson has been around the block a number of times; in fact, he learned his savvy custom skills from Phoenix’s first hat-shop owner.
However, when his mentor passed away, Glisson opened up shop—and he’s had his Cave Creek location more than 25 years.
“When I started, Arizona cowboys were sending their hats to Texas because the Valley didn’t offer that sort of service,” said Glisson.
That’s why Glisson kicked off his career simply cleaning hats.
His clients included classics like Roy Rogers, and when word spread Glisson had quite a knack, he starting creating custom hats for Wallace and Ladmo, George Burns, President Ronald Reagan, and several senators.
Most recently, he supplied hot hats for the girls and guys in the “Glee” tour.
His street-side shop is packed with more than 3,000 hats ranging from $30-$450. Many are made with a rabbit/beaver mix, but 100% beaver equals the heftiest price-tag.
“We have something for everybody.”
