So here we are in 2015 and as we say goodbye to another year of strong New Era fitteds, I thought we should take a look back at five pieces released last year. Following on from 2013, here is my Top 5 Fitteds of 2014 in no particular order...
1. Cukui "Stay Rooted" 59FIFTY
This piece from Cukui caught my eye early in the year. Its cork undervisor and top button are what drew me to the cap, everything else just falls into place. The "Stay Rooted" message is a strong one reminding us to remain humble and not forget where we come from.
2. Mishka "Pizza Keep Watch" 59FIFTY
I saw a preview of this Keep Watch fitted on Instagram and was hungry for more. I thought it was an instant cop and had to be in my top five. The execution of the hat is flawless down to the cheesy crumbs of pizza embroidered where the missing slice should be, which turns up on the rear.
3. Garfield "I Hate Mondays" 59FIFTY
I don't necessarily hate Mondays like Garfield but occasionally I do feel those Monday blues. This is definitely one cap I had to get for the collection plus I had fun shooting for the blog post.
4. David Flores "Beethoven" 59FIFTY
David Flores' portrait of the great composer Ludwig van Beethoven not only came to life as a mural in Playa Vista, CA but he also teamed up with New Era to bring his installation to the 59FIFTY. I love when a cap features such detailed embroidery, which makes this fitted as much a work of art as the original.
5. FITTED Hawaii "Red Kālā" 59FIFTY
I never thought I'd manage to get myself one of FITTED's rare Kālā pieces as it sold out, in what felt like mere seconds of being released, but they became available via Japan's Amazingstore.
This is the fifth version of the cap, which was released as part of FITTED's spring "Legacy" collection, and its detailed colourful embroidery around the whole piece make it well sought after.
What makes my Top 5 even more special is that I actually managed to get all five fitteds this year. Honourable mentions to Supreme's "Hebrew Logo" 59FIFTY, the "W.Y.B Charlotte Hornets" fitted, the "Rocket Raccoon" 59FIFTY and the Opening Ceremony x Thierry Boutemy "Composition" 59FIFTY.
So here's to 2015, Happy New Year and stay fitted!