Portfolio magazine recently presented an interesting look at the progression of New Era. From its roots as a lifestyle cap maker in the 1920s, the brand would eventually secure the licensing for Major League Baseball and its player caps, never relinquishing the license it acquired in the 1930s. The family owned operation has moved along nicely securing a strong profit margin along the way, and choosing a bold goal of doubling the brands sales every 4-5 years. However, with 70 percent of sales coming from MLB licensed team caps, a loss of this license could spell potential disaster for a brand who essentially blew it up when it obliged with Spike Lee’s request for custom Yankee colors back in 1996. However, with many people feeling the crunch of an over saturated collaboration fitted market, what effect if any will this have on New Era’s branding? View the article over at Portfolio.
Vans and graffiti artist Neck Face have renewed their bond from last year with another collection of footwear and apparel. The artist who has risen to immense popularity for his dark, vivid and surreal imagery. The collection of footwear includes a Chukka, TNT 4, SK8 Low and No Skool Mid while tees, hoodie and New Era cap. No word yet on a release date.
Source: mashKULTURE
The touring art exhibition Brave Art Show is set to kick off its latest leg in Whistler this Friday as it offers a chance to showcase an eclectic mix of some of the world’s creative talents and artists. The event marked by live installations and original art work, will also include merchandise and prints for sale. A quick glance includes a ton of talents which will definitely provide a great experience. For more information on the April 11th to April 18th event taking place in Whistler, British Columbia, check the flyer or Dose.
For the Beijing 2008 Olympics just around the corner, Nike has released two new sneakers to commemorate the event. This Nike drop consists of the Nike Air Force 2 Low and the Nike Air Flight ‘89. The Air Force 2s consist of a white, green, and black colorway with a gold tongue tag; and the Air Flight 89s come in a similar colorway with more gold accents and the bottom sole sports a red, white, green, and gold camo pattern. These kicks are now available at LTD Online.
ROCSTAR is a newer branch of the hectic family, with themes rooted in electronic music. You can see keyboard themed images and a bit of black humor. We see some remixes of Arab scarfs, and homage to Biggie and Pink Floyd that will appeal to a wide crowd. Rocstar is available at all Hectic stores and stockists.
Source: ROCSTAR
