Interview Michael Albert, Smart Alec Hatters
A beard’s not an accessory, fellas: if you want to look properly sharp, take a turn through Smart Alec. By Meg Crawford
Gertrude Street’s as hip as hell, helped along in no small part by Smart Alec Hatters – the men’s hatter and go-to store for the guy who understands the importance being properly turned out. Michael Albert, the store’s sartorially splendid proprietor, discovered the joys of sifting for vintage treasures in the late ’70s – an interest which blossomed into a fully fledged love of men’s couture. These days, prize of place amid his collection are 20 Fletcher Jones suits. He doesn't even bother counting his shirts any more. “I always over dressed, in any situation,” he laughs. “Now I get to encourage my clients to do it too – it’s good for us – especially Aussie blokes, it’s so against their nature.”
Albert’s business partner, Mary Lou Scally (of ladies’ head-candy store Scally and Trombone), urged Albert for years to open a men’s hat shop. “I don’t have to over-think what I do,” Albert says. “I just let out the love.” Indeed, his passion for dressing well and men’s accessories is abundantly clear – sitting in the shop’s work room among hat blocks, samples, prototypes and ribbons, Albert’s dapper even at 10am on a Tuesday and, naturally, wearing a hat.
While we’re mourning the passing of Mad Men, was the show responsible for the upswing in good men’s dressing? “You know, I think the show was even more of a revelation to girls,” Albert says. “I get more blokes in here saying, ‘I want a Heisenberg hat from Breaking Bad,’ than ‘I want a Don Draper.’” Interesting.
Any views on what’s hot right now in men’s accessories? “Yep – it’s a look I call the ‘funky Rabbi’,” Albert laughs. “It’s the black hat, with broad brim. It’s definitely in the Zeitgeist and I like it too because it’s nongendered. Then, on the periphery, there’s bush styling – a lot of old bush hats are being brought in to be re-blocked.”
Albert has some helpful advice for fellas broaching the world of accessories – it can get a bit overwhelming what with cufflinks, tie pins, lapel pins, signet rings and the like. “Scarves,” Albert says firmly. “Start there and with a bit of colour. Then, broaden out to a hat... it’s a full-stop at the end of a sentence. Some people say that an outfit starts with the shoes, and that’s probably right, but it ends with a hat.”
Smart Alec Hatters 235 Gertrude St, Fitzroy 3065. 03 9416 4664. www.smart alechatters.com.au. Mon-thu by appointment only; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm.
“I get blokes in here saying, ‘I want a Heisenberg hat from Breaking Bad,’” Albert says