He’s the Top

Whether it be high-end custom work for Vince Vaughn, Dennis Rodman, and Elvis Costello, modish chapeaux for movies and rock videos, or his annual lines for Barney’s (see barneys.com for locations) and Harvey Nichols of London, master hatter Rod Keenan’s elegant, witty designs in braided straw and wool felt combine the best of classic traditions with a playful, modernist twist. Keenan was just honored with an induction into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. Trained at Parsons and F.I.T., Keenan has based his haberdashery empire in a marvelous, art-filled brownstone in Harlem; visits are by appointment only.

See also Arnold Hatters This family-owned hattery offers both trad toppers (homburgs and imported Leghorn straw boaters) and trendy choices (Kangol golfers and postmodern newsies) at bargain prices. 535 Eighth Avenue, 212-768-3781, ahat.com

D.L. Cerney To complement his gorgeous sporty, retro-styled suits and shirts, Mr. Cerney offers an ever changing array of vintage men’s furnishings, including seasonal selections of snap-brim fedoras and Sinatra-cool straw hats. 13 East 7th Street, 212-673-7033