Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony La Touche
Hi Anthony, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started with a single hat—my late grandfather’s. It wasn’t just an accessory; it was a symbol of identity, legacy, and storytelling. That hat sparked my curiosity about millinery, but more importantly, it taught me to see value in what others often overlook.
I first explored the world of hats through Hatabouttown, capturing street-style hat portraits and sharing the stories of hat enthusiasts and the milliners behind them. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a global community, bridging niche creatives with the wider fashion industry. My deep knowledge of the craft, firsthand insights from being on the ground, and background in PR and marketing led me to consulting, where I disrupted the millinery space by modernizing century-old brands like Lock & Co. Hatters. I introduced digital marketing, repositioned hats as cultural statements, and developed my Mr. Hat Framework—a strategic approach to branding and storytelling that helped hat brands connect with new audiences.
But my work didn’t stop at fashion. My ability to spot unseen potential and amplify overlooked voices led me across industries—working with brands in music, sport, and entertainment. Whether curating immersive live music experiences for NYFW, designing campaigns for Leica, or shaping activations for the 2026 World Cup, my approach remained the same: community first, impact over transaction, and storytelling at the core.
Ultimately, my journey has been about making the invisible visible, whether that’s restoring a forgotten hat, championing a hidden creative, or reimagining a brand’s future. And it all started with my grandfather’s hat.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. As a young Black hat designer and restorer coming up in London, I faced challenges, not just in carving out space for myself, but in getting an industry rooted in tradition and conservatism to embrace a new, digital-first perspective. Many hat brands told me I was ahead of my time, that the industry wasn’t ready to adapt. But I knew that if millinery wanted to stay relevant, it had to evolve.
I was determined to make an impact. Through Hatabouttown, my Mr. Hat Framework, and HatsOnly experiences, I reimagined headwear beyond its niche, making it culturally relevant. I challenged the notion that hats were merely heritage pieces, proving they belonged in contemporary fashion, music, and street culture. It wasn’t easy, mainstream media overlooked me, and traditionalists dismissed my vision, but over time, my belief that hats are more than just fashion accessories, but works of art gained traction. I helped reshape the narrative of millinery, pushing it beyond its confines and positioning it within the broader creative landscape.
The road wasn’t smooth, but the struggle was worth it. The industry did change. And I’m proud to have played a part in that transformation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My friend Erin Budd always says, “La Touche, you wear many hats, but you restore some too,” and I think that sums me up perfectly. I’m a cultural strategist, storyteller, and experience designer. But what truly sets me apart is my ability to restore. Not just in the literal sense with hats, but in how I revive overlooked crafts, amplify untold stories, and bring communities to the forefront. My work is rooted in making the invisible visible, whether it’s reimagining an industry, reshaping narratives, or creating spaces where people feel seen and valued.
I disrupted the global millinery industry by pioneering personal branding for hat makers, which changed how the industry approached digital marketing. My Mr. Hat Formula—which I’m most proud of—is more than a marketing strategy; it’s a blueprint for cultural relevance that can be applied across industries. It’s built on five key principles:
1. My Story – Your journey is your niche—own it.
2. Relationships – Build meaningful connections offline.
3. Honing Craftsmanship – Master your craft, study the industry
4. Authority – Stand out with expertise and innovation.
5. Transformation – Use your platform to inspire change and elevate others.
This approach has allowed me to work across industries from fashion to sports, music, and entertainment, creating impact on a global scale. Whether through my consultancy, HatsOnly experiences, or Making the Invisible Visible, my goal remains the same: to help brands, creatives, and communities find their unique voice and make an impact. So yes, I wear many hats—but I restore them too.
How do you define success?
I define success as not giving up. If you have an idea, write it down, and bring it to life, you’re already successful. So many people leave this world without ever acting on their dreams. I challenge you to ask an elder in your life about an idea or dream they never pursued. Then, help them bring it to life. It will change them forever, and maybe even you too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anthonylatouche.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mr.hat?igsh=emdveGd5YzZ0YW5z&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-la-touche-6b3b1b214
Image Credits
Dean Charkley & Harris Elliott
Lady B (Barbara Ayozie Fu Saira)
Deborah Goldman
Ki Pharaoh
MrHat
Setor Tsikudo
Rog & Bee Walker
