The Ampal Creative: Dreamed, Designed & Crafted in USA

The Ampal Creative - Made in LA from Ampal Creative on Vimeo.

You know that one article of clothing that you are really stoked on? It has to be a special occasion to whip it out. Or, maybe you are having an off day, and you put that thing on it makes you happy? Well, for most people, that "thing" is an Ampal Creative hat. Part sexy, part trendy, part classic, this brand has nailed it with making some fresh hats which are an absolute must in a guy's hat collection.

Everything from their marketing, design philosophy, and overall product from this Los Angeles brand is very fresh, unique, and well, creative. Not to mention, since 2010, they have manufactured their products in the USA, creating jobs in an industry that has dried up in since the early 2000s. More interestingly, at a time when the hat market seems to be very saturated with an abundance of brands, the Ampal still brings something different to the table: a collection of snapback/painters caps made with premium textiles and unique prints, which has developed a diverse following. Some of their offerings include a staple snapback hat, which has an 80s feel to it, which comes in a variety of prints ranging from floral, pin-up hawaiian girl, to tribal Aztec. They also bring some cool fabrications too their snapbacks as well, including a luxurious red corduroy, denim, and the traditional felt. If those don't do it for you, then maybe their dressier options, including a wide-backed fedora, traditional porkpie, and bowler, will. These classic molds look like they came from the 50s, but have a unique interpretation. For instance each hat comes with a double-sided strap with a dressier design on one side (think croc skin, full grain leather, etc) and a flashy one on the other (polka dots, patent leather, etc); they've also got a few different driver caps, ranging from a billowy dotted design to a grey and black checkered pattern to a worn-looking blue & purple, each of which has a front button embroidered into the pattern, allowing the hat to also be worn open like a captain's cap.

Ampal's attention to detail and quality construction cannot be overlooked either. Often, they find a single roll of deadstock material and make as many hats as they can from it. Not only does this allow them to hands on in the all the stages of development, but they are supporting local fabric businesses, as well as emplying apparel manufactures. It is a win win situation.

The video above gives you an inside look at the design and creative process, as well as an inside look on how the products get manufactured. It is really interesting to see something from start to finish. From idea, to concept, to design, to fabrication, to manufacturing, to final product, the stages of production are very lengthy, and often overlooked. So next time you are shopping, just think of how the garment you are looking at got there. It's a very complex, technical, and creative process, and I think few brands really do it well. The Ampal Creative is one of them.