It is at this point in the conversation that Mario makes a point. Your Stetson, he says, is made from beaver. Not nearly as good or waterproof as rabbit.
I note that I never knew that, but that I own six – using them for different occasions: cutting wood or building fence, running errands around town, visiting friends for dinner, traveling to different places, and for formal occasions. “Si, Yo comprende (Yes, I understand),” he says, raising his hands and shrugging, as if to imply ‘a man needs to do what he needs to do.’
But then with an element of pride, Mario adds, my hats will last you a lifetime. So, I respond: Let’s give it a try.
Care
There are very specific instructions for caring for a Rusi hat.
First, when not using the hat, keep it stored in its box in a horizontal position. Never put heavy items on top of it; and make sure it is not exposed to humidity. This also means never leave a hat inside a car during the hot months as the temperature would damage it.
Second, Rusi advises never store a Rusi hat where it might come into contact with dust. If one needs to dust the hat, the recommendation is always to brush it clockwise first so to raise the hair before combing it in the opposite
direction. And if lined with velvet, never use water or any liquid as it could damage the material. Straw hats can, however, be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth.
But, at the end of the day, if time or weather has damaged the hat, Rusi recommends coming to them for a replacement. Never try to repair one
of Rusi’s hats unless you have the necessary tools, because it could completely ruin what is a fabulous creation.
Storage and Presentation of a Hat
At the end of our conversation, I ask Mario about the traditional way in which to present a
hat in Córdoba. I note that, in America, no
Above:
The conformador.
Right:
Being fitted using the
conformador.
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