Dawn Beach - Crocheted Raffia Straw Hat

Borrowing on the experience acquired from their father “George” Cury, a master hatter and artisan, his sons Samir and Jorge carry on the fine tradition of quality hat making. Today they incorporate all the fine techniques that the founder started back in 1949. Not a single step or process is skipped in bringing to the world a premium hat and leather jackets with old western charm. Today Bullhide and Ruidoso labels, Montecarlo's premium brands, incorporate all the western flavor and flair of the old west. Only the finest materials are used. Montecarlo has been recognized as a leader in the western fashion industry, because of their innovative and stylish designs. If it is backed by the Montecarlo label, you know that you are getting a finely crafted hat. Quality, excellence and service are the backbone of Montecarlo Hat Co. This message has never been lost throughout the years. It is one that lingers and remains today along with offering products with distinctive design, fit, finish and value.

Each Bullhide hat body is hand dipped in a special lacquer, which makes the hats more durable, water-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike some other manufactures that run their hats trough ovens, Bullhide hats are allowed to air-dry. This process takes longer, but it allows the stiffener to cure uniformly and eliminates peeling and cracking. After the completion of the stiffening process, the hats are ready for the blocking process. Bullhide use heat, pressure, and extreme care to give the hat its final size and shape.

Their hats are then trimmed to the proper brim width. On all straw and crushable felt hats a special wire is sewn into the brim. This brim wire will allow you to customize your hat to your liking. It is what we call a "U-style it" brim.

Then sweatbands are individually fitted to each hat. This is necessary because of the different thickness of bodies and other variables. Some other manufacturers cut the sweatband to a particular size and make it fit the hat. Individually fitting each piece of leather to each hat ensures the best fit and quality.

The final steps give the hat its unique touch. Hats are trimmed and decorate with exclusive leather bands, rhinestones, studs, ribbons and bows, giving each hat the distinctive Bullhide look. Bullhide by Montecarlo hats are hand pieced for a unique look so slight variations may occur due to the availability of trim and the hand airbrushing process. Each hat, regardless of price or quality, must pass their rigid quality control inspections.

The resulting process ensures a genuine work of art: a masterpiece, a Bullhide hat.