Kéla is still in New York for the second episode of SWIPE but decided to hop over to Manhattan to get some inspiration at the Intersect by Lexus space. After checking out some dope art she heads over to meet Brandon Franklin of B.M. Franklin & Co who’s been using styles from the 1920s as inspiration to make custom hats by hand.
Upon hitting up his studio, Brandon reveals what truly inspires him— “passion, craftsmanship, time, and education.” Hat making is his passion and it’s also what led him to spend six years under the tutelage of one of the best hat makers in the world who taught him the importance of developing a technique. Brandon walks Kéla through what it takes to make a custom hat—everything from choosing the right material, shaping it, and making sure the detailed pins fit the buyer’s personality perfectly.
Kéla also chops it up with the owner of the Lower East Side’s Yaf Sparkle, a hip jewelry shop. Watch the latest episode of SWIPE up top.
