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James Keith Brand - Timeless Style, Signature Hats, & Global Fashion Expansion In a small North Carolina town, hats were more than an accessory—they were a language of pride, respect, and individuality. For James Keith, founder of the luxury brand Keith James (keithjames.com), these early lessons became the blueprint for a life and business built on craftsmanship and identity. “While growing up in my community, hats were more than simply fashion,” Keith recalls. “They were part of your identity. Men wore finely crafted fedoras as a mark of respect, and women celebrated individuality with ornate Sunday hats. It was a lesson in family pride and traditions that I carry into every piece I design.” Guided by these values, Keith transformed his love of millinery into a vision: creating handcrafted pieces that celebrate unity, identity, and love. His journey began modestly—selling hats from the back of his car while studying psychology and finance. But talent, dedication, and an eye for artistry quickly propelled him from Atlanta to the glamorous streets of Rodeo Drive, where his flagship store cemented his brand’s place in the world of luxury fashion. Keith James is perhaps best known for its signature red fedora underbrim—a bold, unforgettable detail that speaks to confidence, individuality, and conversation. “The red underbrim is a symbol of power,” Keith explains. “It’s designed to stand out, to express personality without saying a word.” Today, Keith James is carried by iconic U.S. retailers including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman, and has expanded beyond hats into belts, handbags, and soon, footwear. With its first international debut in London on the horizon, the brand is taking its philosophy of family values and high fashion to a global stage. Known affectionately as “The Gentleman Milliner,” Keith blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication in every design. Each piece tells a story—not just of fashion, but of heritage, pride, and the enduring art of self-expression. Learn more at: keithjames.com and instagram.com/keithjames. By ML Staff | Photos/Keith James