Goorin Brothers Opens Boutique in SF | 05.15.06

San Francisco, CA, May 15, 2006—Goorin Brothers, known for their hip collection of funky hats for men and women, is opening a boutique in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. The Old World feel of North Beach is the perfect setting for this fourth-generation hat company. Cassel Goorin first sold Goorin hats out of the back of a horse cart in 1895. The company has since evolved into a contemporary line sold worldwide, attracting names like Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Ashanti, Ashlee Simpson, and the Black Eyed Peas, among others. Goorin hats and bags made appearances in Mission: Impossible III, and will also be featured in the upcoming movies The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, and Bar Starz.

Goorin’s soon to be opened Washington Square locale is marked by a retro black-and-white striped awning and the Goorin company sign. The front window will be updated regularly with exhibits from local artists, offering new interpretations of hats and people who wear them. The interior of the store has a vintage vibe with Goorin goods displayed in mahogany library shelves and antique cabinets. A loft area houses a DJ booth and cushy vintage chairs encourage shoppers to chill for a bit. Special guest DJs will pop in from time to time, but the Goorin crew also invites local talent to spin. Neighboring businesses include a bevy of restaurants, coffee shops, Italian markets and fashionable boutiques like In Lieu and Pixie.

Though Goorin was started in Pittsburgh, PA, the company moved to San Francisco in 1949 and had a storefront on First Street and Mission. Rarely do independent fashion companies endure for so long, but Goorin’s century-old history is marked by a strong tradition where quality and style are of utmost importance. With such a rich history in San Francisco, it’s clear why Goorin chose the city as a fitting place to launch the new retail store and bring back the authentic feel of a hat shop from decades ago.

This time around the hats are fresh, updated, but still inspired by the authentic styles of yesteryear. In addition to the extensive catalog of styles each season, exclusive hats—not available elsewhere—will be sold at the SF shop. The store will also showcase the history of Goorin Brothers with old photos and nostalgia of the brand.

Ben Goorin, great-grandson of founder Cassel, refashioned the line to appeal to today’s market. Blending retro fashions with unexpected fabrics and washes, Goorin constantly reinvents vintage hats and adds hip new styles to appeal to a variety of wearers. “We consider ourselves old masters when it comes to hatmaking and invite people to experience the romance of hats the way they once were,” says Ben.

Unique individuals who define their style and character through the hats they wear inspired the exclusive Cassel collection. Recognized by a special Cassel logo and a combo of cutting-edge fabric and Old World details, the Cassel collection is a high-end line that includes some handmade, one-of-a-kind hats made by artists such as Sergi Granados of Barcelona. Goorin also produces a collection of stylish bags. Styles range from deconstructed messenger bags to weekenders and canvas printed backpacks for men. Slouchy hobo purses and colorfully patterned messengers and totes make up the ladies bag collection.

To celebrate the store opening in San Francisco, a weekend-long Grand Opening soiree will be a held at the shop on June 17th and 18th from 11am – 7pm during the North Beach Festival.

Store address: 1612 Stockton Street.