Mark!
  When you made me a top hat for the Rose Parade I promised you a picture of your great handiwork in the Parade.  I am making good on that promise! Here is a photo of me in the Rose Parade wearing your creation. As you may remember, I am the one who was unwilling to ride in the Parade without a protective "crash" helmet on, but the Parade required I wear a top hat. You made me a top hat using a certified crash helmet
 that I brought in. It looks great, and I love it. Thank you!
 --C.F.
 Pasadena, CA

Mark -
 Received the Henry Fonda "Frank" hat from "Once Upon A Time In The West" today. It's perfect! Thanks very much, I am very pleased with the finished hat and with your service!
 
 Best Regards,
 
 --R.D.L
 Eurkea, CA

Thank You!!
--K.W.W.
   New Rochelle, NY

Mark,

Here is a testimonial I would like to express to all your customers!

I'm an Academy Award ® winning makeup artist. If there is one thing I understand, it's character.

That's what hats are all about... character. Sure, they keep the rain and sun off of your head. That's a given. But in life, and especially in motion pictures and television, hats define who a character is, and with astonishing indelibility. I never understood it as much as I should have until that day I walked into Baron.

Not too long ago, I found a picture of me in the first grade, circa 1959. I was wearing a "Have Gun - Will Travel" bolo tie. HGWT was an unusual western that ran between the years 1958, and 1963. The talented and charismatic Richard Boone portrayed Paladin, a gunfighter who was not a cowboy, but a city boy. Educated, sophisticated, a bon vivant who resided in San Francisco.

When the time came, Paladin would doff the town hat and opera clothes and strike out into the frontier in his all black range-wear, a stygian exclamation point which was all the more dramatic in black and white. Paladin was armed, like all good West Point graduates of the day, with a 7 1/2 inch single action army Colt revolver, but even more intimidating than that... a lethal looking, aerodynamically sleek, sports car of a hat that made it clear that this was a man not to be trifled with.The hat had power. It's a masterpiece of design, and it is a classic example of what Hollywood is all about.

When I first arrived in the 'wood about 25 years ago, I remember passing by Baron Hats in Burbank. We were creating characters for Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy. I knew that Baron was making Warren's Dick Tracy fedora, so I logged that away, fully meaning to one day stop in and see the headquarters of "Hollywood's Hatmaker". Time is tricky... 25 years would pass, as I would continue to cruise by, look at the sign appreciatively, and wonder at it. I knew it was cool even before I had even set foot inside, but I was usually just too busy.

Back to that day I uncovered an ancient picture of me as a little kid, grinning kid in the first grade class picture. Bam! The memory of that hat, with all its awesome and powerful architecture, re-exploded upon my consciousness with the power Samuel Colt's jury of six. My subconscious yelled: Baron, dummy! Baron! I found the Baron site, E-mailed them instantly, and, to my amazement, Tom Green of Baron Hats E-mailed me back just as instantly, with this amazing answer: "Yes, we are well familiar with Richard Boone's hat for Have Gun, as we built the original". Note: Insert sound of jaw-dropping here.

That weekend I finally made it to Baron's and met up with Tom, who knows more about Hollywood history - emphasis on Hollywood hat history and an unbridled love of the town - than nearly anyone I had ever known. Then Tom introduced me to Master Hatter Mark Mejia. The engine block that is Baron Hats.

Here was Mark, this unassuming guy who blushingly really couldn't quite understand all the fuss I was lavishing on him. Mark was easy going, soft spoken, and with forearms that would make Popeye the sailor weep with envy... I came to understand why, when Mark built a hat right before my eyes. Who knew just how much physical exertion went into wrestling a piece of material into submission... coaxing, steaming, and finally persuading it that it was indeed born to be this hat.

In preparation for building my HGWT head gear, Mark mapped my noggin like a surveyor preparing a construction site. We enthusiastically chatted up the different eras of Paladin's wickedly wonderful hat, and we struck up a rapport immediately. I chalked up to our mutual history defining character for film, and I was pleased that we were on the same wavelength... but for me, the truest test was to come. Sure, I had little doubt that Mark would make a wonderful hat, but hokey smokes, this hat was a hat that I had played over and over, on the screen, and in my head, again and again. I studied it the way I studied classic styling by guys like industrial designer Raymond Lowey, or production designer Matt Jefferies. I knew it by heart, and I had dissected its supernatural character relentlessly. Having an eye is part of my 31 year, showbiz career, as a makeup artist, graphic designer, illustrator, and visual effects designer. It almost didn't seem fair to Mark... or so I thought... and then I got the hat.

Words failed me. I was dumbstruck. Here was the holy grail. I begged Mark to place it on my head, for certainly I was not good enough, or worthy enough to do it properly. After that, I was out of control, loping around the shop, looking for as many new mirrors as I could find in order to see if it was really really true. To my studied eye, it seemed as if Mark had truly nailed the subtleties of architectural sweetness that made the original unforgetable. But it took me a while to fully understand how uncanny a match it was, not just a match physically, but how it was imbued with the energy, soul and intent of Richard Boone's own. It truly wasn't until I had my buddy, Jack Marshall, shoot a slew of photos of me in it that I realized just how astonishing a conjuring job Mark had done... something a machine could never do. Listen to me folks... you don't just stamp out soul like that via machine. It takes blood, sweat, and tears, and Mark's hats have that in spades.

Now, not only do I have this amazing and holy hat, but I'm now a member of a club made up of Baron hat owners. It's an awesome feeling that only a Baron hat owner can truly understand. Here is a hat I will cherish for the rest of my life... and it was built just for me, and goes with my head like, well, in the words of Louie Jordan, beans go with cornbread, cornbeef with cabbage, strawberries and shortcakes... How amazing is that?

Now that I've experienced it, I'm hooked. A custom Baron hat is as addictive as crack, but much better for you. What next? I'm thinking, "Little Joe Cartwright". So go, Mark Mejia! Go! And do that voodoo, that you do, so well!

Doug Drexler
North Hollywood, CA

Mark,

What can I say, you did it again!!! Outstanding service, quality and just one more satisfied customer. My first inquiry with you about making a real "Fiddler on the Roof" type of cap was with your response, yes we can and sure enough you did. Being a perfectionist, I can find no room for improvement in order to satisfy my ego. Men admire it, women love it!!! I am sooooo pleased with it is why I have already ordered another of a different color. I guess you can say "Its my new identity" thing. Mark, I thank you and your team of professional hatters for a job well done.

--G.A.
Fayetteville, AR

Hi Mark,
Just wanted to let you know that I received "The Butcher" yesterday. It's awesome!!

Thank you very much!
-- C.V.

Carson City, CA

Mark!

Thank you, thank you & thank you once again. When you said you were going to create another treasure, you meant what you said! As you can read, Mr Mejia, i received my Jeff Bridges "True Grit" Derby today.

And can i say you guys continuously outdo yourselves. What an absolutely beautiful hat!
It's everything i expected from Baron & more. Nothing comes close to the workmanship & exquisite craftsmanship that i know Baron always delivers. Everything about the hat is flawless. From the hats fit, the great detail in the way it's been aged, the brilliant blue lining; its entire character is just perfect! It really does look like it just stepped out from the 1800s!!

You & your team have done another incredible job. I'm damn proud to be holding this hat in my hands. Baron has once again exceeded all expectations!

And you were 100% correct when you recommended the 3 3/4 crown. It's a perfect fit. In fact, the hat's so good that after only wearing it for the first time today, i've already been complimented on, to quote, "such a brilliant hat". One of the people i know who works in an antique store stopped me after work & asked which antique store i purchased the hat from. After having seen two authentic top hats which are now being used in another antique jewellers as part of our Spring Racing Carnival he was totally convinced that the Bridges True Grit was the real deal. He couldn't believe it was a custom made "modern" hat. I had to tip it & show him the lining with your crest!

Please pass my utmost thanks to your wonderfully talented team of craftsmen. You guys are the the pinnacle in hat making. You've done it again!

Until the next hat, Mark........There really nothing finer than a Baron Hat!
All the best,

--SG

Melbourne, Australia

Mark,

Thank you once again for my well made Cliff Hanger! I love it! Fits me well, and everytime I hold it in my hands I can always see and feel the quality that was put into it with your hard diligent work.

This picture is me wearing your Cliff Hanger on top of the New Mexico Sandias over looking the city of Albuquerque. This hat is truly a piece of well made art and I am sure to pass it down in my family as the years pass on.

Thank you once again and have a nice day!

--B.K.

Tijeras, NM

Mark Mejia and all of you at Barons!

Boy, oh boy! You guys are just absolutely AWESOME!!!! Mr Mejia, as you've guessed, I just opened the box.........And there it was.

Totally, unconditionally, brilliant. When I wrote to you asking if the Tom Waits fedora could be replicated, you said, no problem, we can do it. The thing is, I knew the hat would be a killer, but let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations. Every detail, every nuance, it's perfect. I thought you nailed the Tom Petty, but wow, the Waits just blew me away. The craftsmanship is second to none. The materials, excellent.

I say this every time; each hat that is recreated for me surpasses the last. I don't think I can really begin to describe how incredibly pleased I am with the Waits fedora. As mentioned before every little detail that I asked for has been included. Not only that, you created this hat from two stills that only showed the front of the hat! I love the crown pinch & crease, the aging on the ribbon, the "used" brim. Everything about it! The hat is truly amazing. I haven't taken it off my head yet! As always, please thank your amazing crew. From the office staff who answered my emails, to the brilliantly talented team that worked on this hat & all my other Barons. I am indebted to you. Thank you all for creating masterpieces of head wear.

Many, many thanks again for a job beautifully executed. Until next time, Mark.............let's see what hat #11 will be!?

Regards,
--D.G.
Victoria, Australia

Mark,
It is hard for me to explain what I feel when I hold the hat you made for me in my hands. It is one of the most beautiful things I ever owned in my life!
Thank you.

Kind regards,
-- D.R
Moscow, Russia

Dear Mark,

I wanted to say thank you!

I love the Van Helsing "Monster Hunter" hat that you custom made for me. It was perfect and I wanted to show my appreciation by sending you a picture of me wearing it and how it was very very accurate to the movie.

It was well worth the wait and money!

Thank you guys again for a great job! :)

-S.W.  Grangeville, ID

Dear Mark,

I deeply appreciate all the work you did in recreating for me an exact reproduction of the original "Rooster Cogburn"!

I know how difficult it is to get it just right, but it was worth it, especially when I showed Mr. Bayless [Lester Bayless was John Wayne's long-time costumer], and he was surprised at the accuracy and said that the hat was very good quality!

The photos I've included are of the hat, and me wearing the hat with an eye patch Mr. Bayless made for me as a birthday present last year.

Kindest regards and best wishes!

--J.S.N.  Statesville, NC.

Hi Mark,

Just wanted to let you know that I got my Peter Davison version of the newest "Dr. Who" hat that you custom made for me. I literally just took it out of the box about 10 minutes ago. I love it! Thank you, and everyone at Baron Hats, so much. This is just a snapshot that I took with my laptop's webcam (along with a shot of Davison with the original hat) Just wanted to say:
Baron Hats is THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

--J.S.
Muncie, IN

Mark!
Here is the photo that was taken of me at Laurel Park Race Track in Laurel, Maryland wearing the great custom hat you made for me! It was taken by a reporter from WBAL Radio who loved the hat so much, he included it in his blog! Here is what he said: "The Duke" of Laurel wasn't going to let a little wind stand in the way of his afternoon of handicapping at Laurel Park.That said, how did he keep that cool hat from blowing away?"

My answer: you get a custom hat from Baron's with a perfect fit!

Sincerely,

C.S.

"The Duke of Laurel"

Laurel, Maryland

Dear Mr. Mejia--
Hello. I am writing in regards to a hat you custom made for me. It was the "Aces & Eights" as worn by Jeff Bridges in the film Wild Bill. Mark, your work is FABULOUS!!!!!! I have been practically living in this hat since I received it back in mid-February, and I get compliments on it all the time. The hat speaks for itself, and it definitely commands attention. I am very, very pleased with the love & care you put into this hat. When I'm able to, I will definitely be purchasing my next hat from you! Keep up the good work!

Very Respectfully,

--T.D.T.

Camp Hill, PA

WANT MORE INFO ON PURCHASING THIS HAT   CLICK HERE!

Mark, Thanks for making me my Rebel, and customizing it the way I wanted. Was it ever well worth it! Take a look at the picture! I've seen other people with hats that look like they're trying to resemble the Rebel but your version is worthy wearing the Rebel! You can quote that last line too :) And I absolutely will tell all my friends and family about Baron Hats. This hat will help me maintain my edge and remember my true self as I go through medical school. I'm sure I'll be back for more. Thanks and take care friend! -O.N. El Paso, TX

Mark,

Here's a photo of the custom hat you made for me in the style of Tom Baker's from "Doctor Who". And, I absolutely love it :) !

And the extra details I asked for are perfect!

Next, I'm ordering the straw version that Peter Davison wore in that same show! Can't wait!

Thanks again for a magnificent job.

--J.S.
Muncie, IN

Mark!

WOW, WOW AND WOW!

My hat arrived about two hours ago in perfect shape. I am more than pleased with your meticulous craftsmanship - truly you are a master artisan. In fact, I have never observed such attention to detail and perfection in a hat. WOW!

I spend much time behind cameras, but I had to step in front of the lens for a few minutes just so you could see my joy wearing your fine creation.

With kindest regards and best wishes.

--E.F. Jr.
South Pasadena, FL
 

Hi Mark,

My Rebel arrived safely. The cap is simply magnificent! You did an outstanding job on it. Every cent is worth the price.
Keep up the great business and craftsmanship.
I'm very happy with the results.
Have a nice week!
Highest regards,

B.A.

Schoellnach , Germany
 

Mark-
Here is is a shot of me in my Shadow Pulp Hat as made for me by you at Baron Hats. I am also including a classic Shadow pulp cover to show how incredibly Baron Hats reproduced this unmistakable and impossible to find hat.

Nowhere else is such a perfect reproduction of the Shadow's famous slouch hat to be found.

I am absolutely thrilled with it. Bravo!
And remember...
The Shadow Knows!
Many Thanks-
--J.B.
Middletown, NJ

Hello Mark!
My Rebel cap arrived today and I can tell you that it's a real work of Art. The amount of detail and quality is outstanding. The fit is right on and looks great. This cap is a real classic, a one of a kind in which I will be proud to wear and display for many years. Your workmanship is a fine example of the skill and dedication to your craft. Well done!
Sincerely,
-- P. L.
Parsippany, NJ

Cheers Mark,
My Fedora came today and I LOVE IT! It's perfect! Thanks so much to you and staff for an outstanding product. Your help and insight every step of the way was much appreciated. Your suggestions were spot on! Grazie! It was a pleasure all round! I will spread the word about BARON!
Peace,
--J.G
Shiloh Street Pictures
Mount Vernon, New York

Mark!

Here I am in the "Rebel" cap that you custom made for me. It's seen the world and everyone loves it!

Thanks!

--J.W.

   Los Angeles, CA

Mark,

Here is a photo of me taken at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore Maryland during the running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes Race. It's your custom "Bond Trilby", but I had you make it in the same color as you made my "Seabiscuit Fedora". I get all kinds of compliments about the hat everytime I wear it and I wear it all the time unless I am wearing the dark gray Bond Trilby that you made for me!

Thanks again!
--C.B.S.

   Columbia, MD

I have had dream hats in mind for years. Two of those are General Douglas MacArthur's low slung beauty and the exquisite top hat that David Niven wore in the movie, "Around the World in 80 Days". Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever have both of them before me...as part of my collection. I mentioned these dreams to you in an e-mail one evening, in passing, and you immediately said, 'we can do them both'. Not only did you do them both to perfection, but you gave me some fascinating memorabilia and insight on both of them. Your knowledge and research is phenomenal.

I still have to pinch myself when I see myself in the mirror with these absolutely magical hats on my head.

There is now wonderment a foot in my lair...thanks to you and your fabulous crew. Kindest regards, and it is with my deepest appreciation that I say thank you!!!
--T.I.
Visalia, California.

Mark,
Just a note to let you know how much I like my BOSS HAT. I
appreciate the time and patience you and your staff gave me.
One week after this picture was taken, this colt bucked me off in a roping chute. Broke my neck, busted my spleen. I have had two operations since the accident and I am permanently disable due to my injuries. When I was laying in ICU, 100 stitches in my head and hand on DEATH'S DOOR, my wife said the first words I said was:"WHERE IS MY HAT?!"

Thank you, and God Bless you,
--D.H.

Bastrop, LA

NOTE: And God Bless you! Stay well and safe! And thank you for one of the biggest grins we've ever received from reading a letter from one of our customers!

Mark,

The New "Kid Rock" style custom hat you made for me arrived yesterday, just as you promised! It exceeds all expectations. The first store I went into today, a gent called out: "Great Hat"!
Thanks!
ML
Haines City, FL

Mark,

I received your “ Dr. No Trilby” and I think it is just great! I wanted to let you know I wear your hat all the time! Thanks again,

C.S.

Columbia , MD

NOTE: From the serious and professional look of "C.S.", and the equipment in his office, we are very glad he likes the hat! I have a feeling you would not want to make him, or the "organization" he seems to work for angry!