Rich Faison, a Brooklyn native now based in Zurich, discovered his love for Western style through his Trinidadian father’s stories of Black and Mexican cowboys. After years in Toronto’s film and music scene, he returned to New York, where a Hasidic friend introduced him to the craft of hat-making. Mastering the art of shtreimels, he refined his skills before launching Oliver Lewis Hats in 2022, honoring the first Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. His handmade hats blend classic and contemporary elements, designed to be worn effortlessly with both casual and formal attire. Crafted through a meticulous day-long process, each piece embodies timeless confidence and style.
