Shop Highlight: Melrose, Los Angeles
Author: Sarah Orrico
Get to know Troy Roberts, the manager of our LA shop!
Q: Introduce yourself! A: Hi! My name Troy Roberts, and I’m currently the Store Manager of the Goorin Bros. location on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, CA. I’m originally from Phoenix, AZ and moved to LA in the summer of 2013. I’ve been with Goorin for a little over 6yrs, and have had the privilege of working at all 5 of the Los Angeles area shops when they were open, and even worked a couple of shifts at our Las Vegas location several years ago. The shop location on Melrose was the second store that opened, and has been open since 2006. It’s pretty rad to have had a shop in LA for so long.
Q: What other local spots are cool and nearby to the shop that you love to visit? A: The part of the city that we’re located in is pretty eclectic. LA in general is a pretty diverse and eclectic city, and there’s great culture all around. The West Hollywood area specifically is a really great merging of artistic and diverse personalities. Melrose Ave. has definitely transformed over the years into becoming an established area that reflects the urban and street-wear fashion culture. I think that Melrose specifically is a great snapshot of LA as a whole. There’s a little bit of everything on this street within a mile or two in either direction of our store.
Q: Have you always liked hats? A: I think in some ways, I’ve always been into hats. I’m a huge fan of western movies and western culture in general. Being from the Southwest originally, I think that shaped my appreciation for western wear, and a big part of that is that hats. I started to become more of a hat-wearer prior to my move to California. Not to mention there are countless great hats in cinema and on TV over the past decades. My all-time favorite hat in film is the hat Clint Eastwood wears in The Outlaw Josey Wales…a seriously cool hat!
Q: Every hat-wearer is different but is there a particular style that you tend to gravitate towards in showing a first-timer? A: Every hat-wearer is different for sure. But when someone is getting to hats for the first time, or starting a collection, I try to steer them towards the hat that they feel like they’re going to wear. So much about getting into hats is getting used to seeing yourself in them. They all tend to feel a little weird at first and there can definitely be an adjustment period for some folks. So, we try to help guide them into something that maybe a more neutral shape in a more neutral color. That way they’ll have more options to wear it with different outfits/looks and in more situations. I always say that the best hat is the one that you actually wear! We want to see our customers put some miles on their hats and really start to feel comfortable in what they’re wearing. There is a hat for everyone! I firmly believe that!
Q: Which is your personal favorite core block? A: I’d say my favorite blocks are No. 8, 28 and 13. Two of my favorite hats are the Willie R. and an old smaller flat-brimmed style called the St. Dusty (think of a smaller-version of the Billy the Kid).
Q: What are some of your go-to styles? A: For everyday wear, I like to be comfortable with a stylish bend. I’m in jeans, vintage t-shirts and boots most of the time, and definitely gravitate to that look! For me, that also allows for any number of hat options for any given day. I don’t wear hats to necessarily tie-in to my clothing look. I wear what hat feels good for THAT day! For an evening out, the look doesn’t change too much, haha. I may swap out a denim jacket for a fitted blazer or leather jacket. Honestly, I don’t think about it too much! I just know that I like to be comfortable, and feeling like I have to “dress to impress” isn’t my thing. I’m also a sucker for vintage accessories… rings, necklaces, watches, and sunglasses, and that’s really where I like to make the “pop” element of what I’m wearing for the day/evening.
Q: If we could bring back ONE seasonal style from years past, which would you love to see back in the mix? A: That is a tough choice.. there’s been so many great hats that didn’t stick around for too long. I’d say the St. Dusty fedora would be a great one. To see that come in a different color (black, brown or burgundy) would’ve been awesome. Also, the Mr. Hammer gatsby style flat That hat was pretty sweet!
Q: When you’re not at the shop, what do you love to do? A: When I’m not at the shop, I’m generally a fan of low-key things.. I love going to record stores, antique/vintage shops, coffee shops and seeing movies. I’m also a huge fan of live music. So, if there’s a club show or a smaller show happening, I’ll always try to catch that!
Q: What do you love most about being in the hat world? A: For me, the coolest part of the hat world is that there truly is something for everybody. No matter if you’re a little more traditional in your style and don’t think hats are for you, or if you’re super bold and have a really defined sense of style, there’s something for everyone!
Q: What makes your shop unique? A: I think there’s a lot of things that make our shop unique. Firstly, we’re in a very vibey part of the city, and that tends to encourage people to stop by. Secondly, we try to cultivate and curate a space that’s very visually engaging and stylish. At times it can be challenging to merchandise the store in a way where it looks intentional, and I feel like our team does a great job of that. Also, being in LA, there’s a lot of production for TV, film, and print that happens here, and it’s great to be able to provide hats to studios or production companies for those projects. Keep your eyes open, you never know when a Goorin hat will show up on screen!
Visit Troy and our Melrose shop in Los Angeles: 7627 Melrose Ave,Los Angeles, California 90046 // 323.951.0393 // Follow the shop Instagram for the newest!
