Style: a distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed. It’s something folks typically credit expertise to the coasts, but the Midwest is bursting with style. Following are just a small sampling of Midwestern companies making a huge impact in the style scene.

Optimo | Chicago, IL

Although they choose not to advertise, Optimo hats often appear in print, television and movies. They perform fittings in their shop, at trunk shows, and over the phone. Regardless of where you are fitted, their focus is on creating the right hat for you – the right fit and the right personality. The Chicago hat maker makes the perfect hat for everyone – musicians, businessmen, tradesman, politicians alike.

 

Blue Claw Co. | Minneapolis, MN

Established in 2010, Blue Claw Co. is a Minneapolis based company hand-making artisan bags and accessories. Each piece – like waxed and unwaxed canvas, full grain leather and solid brass – is carefully sourced from around the world. They are constantly tweaking their designs and overhauling styles, striving to provide our customers with the most accessible, highest quality product available.  

 

Douglas & Co. Detroit | Detroit, MI

Husband and Wife Duo Shane and Melissa Douglass created Douglas & Co. Detroit to produce high-quality handmade leather goods. Each of their products has a limited run of between 20-50 pieces to ensure that each is celebrated for its uniqueness and that the creative atmosphere is not diminished by simply producing a single design over and over again. Douglas & Co. Detroit produces each of it’s pieces in its hometown Detroit from start to finish ensuring that each piece meets their exacting standards.

Le Coeur Watches | Chicago, IL

Le Coeur Watches was started in 2015 by Chicago native Amy Mokris. Morris used a Kickstarter campaign to raise the seed money to make her dream of creating beautiful, simple, classic watches become a reality. After reaching her funding goal in two days she hit the ground running designing beautiful simple watches inspired by cities around the world. There are no extraneous details in a Le Coeur Watch and thus can be a mainstay in anyones wardrobe.

Baldwin Denim & Collection | Kansas City, KS

Matt Baldwin launched Baldwin Denim in Kansas City In 2009. He created Baldwin out of a desire for clothes with a modern timeless design. All of his designs are informed by his love of the midwest and carry with them some of the earthiness of endemic to the midwest. The simple well made designs that come out of Baldwin are can truly be traced to what Matt Baldwin calls the Moderne Middle.