Borsalino

Borsalino is the name of a hat company known particularly for its fedoras. Established in 1857, they produce their felt from Belgian lapin fur at their factory in Alessandria, Italy.

Giuseppe Borsalino visited Italy and France to learn the hat trade, and set up the first artisan workshop for the production of felt hats. However, when Giuseppe Borsalino died, he was succeeded by his son, Teresio Borsalino, in the family business. His success lasted until the 1940s when the hat business declined in prominence.

In 1970 it inspired the film: "Borsalino", which was moderately well received. In 1986 the factory moved to its current site in the suburbs of Alessandria, leading to the opening of the University of Alessandria, as well as a museum dedicated to the history of the hat, both created in the former offices that the Borsalino company had resided in.