Founder, milliner and artist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Richard Faison is a Brooklyn-born and -raised artist. An early seed was planted by his Trinidadian father, who loved Westerns and told his son about Mexican and Black cowboys. This interest led Rich to Oliver Lewis, a Black jockey and the very first Kentucky Derby winner, lost in history. Inspired, Rich started wearing hats around the age of 12, and developing his own, modern take on a Western style.

After immersing himself in the film/music scene in Toronto for eight years, it was back in New York City where a friend from the Hasidic community opened the door to his true creative passion: hats. Out of all hats, Richard mastered the craftsmanship in creating 'Shtreimels', the elegant fur hats worn by Jewish men for Shabbat, weddings, and other holidays.

In 2022, Richard ventured out on his own to start Oliver Lewis Hats, with the intention to create unique pieces that go as well with a T-shirt as with a suit, challenging the notion that hats are often still associated with selective or festive occasions. Each Oliver Lewis Hat is handmade and one-of-a-kind, always classic yet with a contemporary twist and the utmost attention to details. Crafted over a day-long process in Brooklyn, each hat gives you long-lasting confidence beyond the City.