According to the owner, Jean Barthet was introduced to Michael Jackson via a recommendation by Sophia Loren, for whom he had made several hats. In 1988 Michael Jackson visited Barthet, and an initial fitting was made at his Paris workshop. After sampling several different hats Jackson request was for a felt hat, in his classic Fedora style, and another fitting was organised. This wood was made specifically to match the requirements needed to make the hat to Jackson's specifications, and the hat included is an example of one of over 60 hats Jackson ordered.