Meet The Aspen Hatter
Chris Roberts, The Aspen Hatter, is one of the cooler and more authentic people we have met in a long time with hand crafted hats that reflect his Austin Texas background, his individualistic style, and his creativity.
I found Roberts last spring through Ward Walker, a videographer/photographer who wears well a signature style Aspen Hatter hat designed with splashes of blended crayon crushed into the felt, and who suggested I go in and check out the shop.
Getting to Know the Aspen Hatter
Walking into the Aspen Hatter is a refreshing departure from any other Aspen store experience. With the scent of sage lingering from finished blessed hats, and South African hunting trophies displayed on the walls, all with beautiful spiraling horns and names like Gemsbok, Blesbok and Bontebok, it’s a place where one has the desire to stop and hang for a while.
Chief Designer, Hatter and Musician, Roberts is creating a new sub-culture of fashion in our town. Mentored by JW, a professional cowboy hat maker, he is known for his own style, a style that transforms the personalities of those who where his hats, bringing out their inner cool.
While it’s true that he has developed quite a reputation throughout the country for his prowess in hat making, and while out in town I’ve witnessed people approach him with wads of money to get their own Chris Roberts hat, Roberts is humble with a whole lot of integrity, and does not like to focus on his success, but more on his trade.
Visiting him quite often these past seven months to capture footage, he has introduced me to his craft, his passion for music and his stories on hunting wild game in South Africa. Eyes wide open, I listen to his hunting stories and near death experiences and enjoy meeting the type of clientele that his national popularity attracts, and if I’m lucky I get to listen to him jam on his guitar for creative release, invoking memories of my life lived in NYC where I sought out those speakeasies that one could only find through word of mouth. Hard to find places with obscure entrances in quiet alleys with tom cats praying on city rats. Places filled with soulful music and good conversations. A rarity in Aspen, Aspen Hatter is more about the authentic experience, where one feels comfortable sitting on the couch talking hats, and if one is lucky, listening to his music.
Someday Chris will pass his trade off to somebody else but for the moment he is fully immersed in his craft, meeting the demands of what his popularity has brought to his shop.
The perfect holiday gift, make sure you get your orders in early. For more information click here. Be sure to mention that AspenRealLife sent you.
