Vol. 16: "A Personal, Lifelong Treasure" Borsalino "Panama Montecristi Optimo"

While many items are called "masterpieces," only a select few are lauded as "treasures for a lifetime." To answer the question, "Can you truly use this for a lifetime?" we present the editor-in-chief's own personal lifetime treasures!

Direction by SUKEZANE TomokiPhotographs by YAMAGUCHI KenichiStyling by KAWAI KohtaText by HATAKEYAMA SatokoGrooming by ODAI Tokyo

Borsalino “Panama Montecristi Optimo”

Founded in 1857 in Alessandria, Northern Italy, the brand gradually gained a reputation for its stylish designs and superior quality. In 1969, the film "Borsalino," starring Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo, propelled it to worldwide fame.

The "Optimo," synonymous with foldable Panama hats, is characterized by a single crease running from front to back across the crown. Made from high-grade Panama straw sourced from Montecristi, Ecuador, it's known as a roller hat that can be folded along the crease for storage. As it cannot be machine-made, each hat is still meticulously finished by skilled artisans.

¥95,000 (Borsalino / Borsalino Japan 03-3230-1030)