Mr. Gilly x Goorin Bros.

Author: Sarah Orrico

Introducing a collaboration project for the BOLD: "Do It With Style"

Two bold 100% toquilla straw styles from the creative minds of Jean Francillon, of Mr Gilly's Closet and Goorin Bros. These limited release Spring styles are equipped with custom silk linings and brightly colored details. We were lucky enough to hear Jean's take on confidence and style, as well as Nathaniel's collaboration on design. Check it out below:

From Mr. Gilly:

Q.) Introduce yourself!

A.) My name is Jean G Francillon, and I was born in Haiti. I moved to the US with my family when I was six years old. I'm the CEO of Mr Gilly's Closet and Co-Founder of Garçon Couture and Illy and Gilly shoes.

Q.) How did you discover and shape your personal style?

A.) I used to ride the train in New York, and I saw guys all suited up for work; I told myself that I wanted a job where I could wear suits every day. Now I'm styling people in suits I've designed. I discovered my bold style when I was very young because I always let my clothes talk for me.

Q.) Why is 'style' important to you? Why do you feel it should be important to others?

A.) Style is essential to me because it comes from within, it's the way you carry yourself. Style is a way to express who you are without words. "Fashion fades, style is eternal."

Q.) How does confidence play into what you wear?

A.) I think the best way to have confidence is not worrying about what other people think. Your internal confidence gives the push for people to follow suit.

Q.) How did you become interested in Goorin Bros. and how do hats fit into your personal expression of style?

A.) The way I became interested in Goorin Bros. is a really meet-cute story, where a co-worker gifted me a Goorin gift card for the holidays. I immediately loved the brand. Hats complete my look and act as a booster to give me the confidence I need.

Q.) What was your inspiration behind this collaboration?

A.) Colors and patterns. I wanted a hat that was versatile and rich at the same time, dress up or dress down. I wanted the bold colors and fabrics to bring a smile to your face when you wear it.

Q.) What colors, materials or patterns are you normally drawn to?

A.) That's a great question. I don't have a favorite. I try to be open-minded when it comes to colors, patterns, and materials, in an effort to be more creative.

Q.) Which detail in each piece were you most excited to see come to fruition?

A.) For the Mr. Gilly, it's the fabric on the brim. For the Garçon, it's the custom satin lining inside the hat. It looks better than I could have ever imagined. However, the most exciting detail was seeing my name inside the hats; it felt unreal to me, I was speechless.

Q.) You are a designer yourself at Mr Gilly's Closet. Tell us a little bit about that

A.) Mr Gilly's Closet specializes in unique custom pieces, such as suits, pants, shirts, coats, shoes and accessories. I've developed a reputation for creating bold pieces that inspire. Our slogan is: "Do it with style." At Mr Gilly's Closet, we help our clients feel special and unique because that's what they truly are: "The outfit doesn't make you; you make the outfit."

Q.) How do these hats fit into your every day style?

A.) My outfit is not complete without a hat, it's one of my must-have accessories.

Q.) Is there any advice that you'd like to share with new up and coming designers out there?

A.) Find your passion. Also, it's okay to be different. You don't always have to follow the trend; create your trend and believe in yourself. Don't be scared to ask questions along the way.

From Goorin Bros' designer Nathaniel:

Q.) What drew you to want to collaborate with Jean? A.) We wanted to create some great hat designs which encapsulate Mr. Gilly head to toe and held true to the Goorin brand. I’m confident that we’ve achieved this together. Jean is an awesome talent to work with. He’s humble, inspiring, patient although eager to achieve greatness, and he has a great eye for innovation. Did I mention inspiring?? His personal style is very aspirational, yet he manages to make it accessible to others. Literally, he makes it, he wears it, he shares it. This is fundamental to the foundation here at Goorin.

Q.) Which detail in each piece were you most excited to see come to fruition? A.) Gilly has an exceptional menu of fun, bold fabrics in his catalog which rotate seasonally. The combination of blending fine cut & sew silk and satin fabrics with handwoven Toquilla straw is a lot of fun. It’s important to have fun when doing what you’re passionate about. You’ll have just as much fun wearing these pieces as we’ve had creating them in Newark, New Jersey. Bold Hat Makers baby. This unique collaboration is going to warm up Spring in fine style and fashion for sure. Enjoy.

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