Inside Label: Starter NCAA Arkansas / UMass "Tip-Off" Cap

Each year, as the winter closes its fierce door, the NCAA Division 1 Basketball Tournament takes center stage. Brackets are filled throughout the country, predictions are made and seeds are awarded. Each chosen team carries the pride of their school onto the hardwood, hoping to leave the tournament with a National Title.
All eyes were on the 31-3 Arkansas Razorbacks, who were led by the powerful Corliss Williamson. The Razorbacks blew through the Midwest regional bracket, mightily handling each opponent. Former Arkansas governor and acting President, Bill Clinton paid close attention to the unfolding of the tournament. Clinton even made an appearance of support for the Razorbacks as they inched closed to the National Title.
The hype that surrounded the Midwest region was the inevitable matchup in which the country was vying to watch unfold. The #1 seeded Razorbacks taking on the #2 University of Massachusetts Minutemen. This would have been the game that would have placed either team in the Final Four. However, the Minutemen were sent home after a second round loss to the Maryland Terrapins.
This cap was constructed in preparation for a predicted meeting of the top two teams in the Midwest region. Its premature development makes it all the more sacred, due to the game never taking place. This cap was constructed by Starter whose logo sits above the snap closing on the back of the cap. The Starter word mark rest on the front panel with a distinct design of a basketball trailing to the net. The word, Tip-Off rests to the side of the logo. The left panel features the U Mass trademarked logo, as the Arkansas registered logo sits on the right. The brim, eyelets and button are a crimson color.
This cap is rare, both in time and accuracy. It is a piece which sums up the development of the game of basketball in the 1990’s. Corliss Williams was the machine that led the Razorbacks, being named Most Outstanding Player. His leader and coach, Nolan Richardson would carry home his first title while gaining the attention of the President.

Text: J.Wheeler

Cool Cats x Starter "SMUT" Snapback Cap

The Cool Cats are back with their second collaboration with Starter for the SMUT snapaback cap.  The front design is inspired by Feadz loop of Ice T's classic line for the his Hawaiian Smut track off the Happy Meal EP. The cap features a 2-tone look with piping and flat embroidery for the front graphic. The SMUT cap is limited to 120 pieces and available now through Cool Cats Goodies site.

Image: Le Cool Cats Blog

FUCT x Starter Snapback Caps

With both new and deadstock snapbacks making noise lately, FUCT, one of the OG's in this independent fashion scene, got with the one and only, Starter to re-issue some of their classic FUCT logos and graphics. The caps are constructed with wool in the old-school hi-crown style.  These two-tone gems are now shipping to official dealers. Check for these!

Images: FUCT

Inside Label: Chicago Bulls 1998 NBA Champions Cap by Starter

Michael Jordan stands as the greatest player to ever step on the hardwood, revolutionizing the way in which the game is now played and viewed.  Jordan’s tongue hanging dunks, buzzard beating jump shots and crossover dribble are still imitated by kids all over the world, creating hoop dreams.
Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles, winning the final three after coming out of a short lived retirement. Throughout his career, Jordan amassed 5 MVP Awards, won 10 scoring titles and was the key figure on the 1992 Olympic Dream Team. His career achievements are chiseled on a plaque outside of the United Center in Chicago.   
This black cotton twill Starter cap commemorates the Chicago Bulls sixth Championship title. The back of the hat consists of an adjustable velcro strap. Across the velcro is NBA Champs, which is embroidered in white thread. The Starter signature logo rests at the top of the back, with both the NBA logo and the 1998 Finals logo directly embroidered on the back bottom sides. The front crown depicts the Bulls logo encircled by a royal and scarlet embroidered sphere, listing each of their six titles. Above the front logo rests NBA Champions, with a depiction of the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Twelve racing stripe style marks run through the embroidered word mark to the back of the hat. This hat was presented to the Bulls after they defeated the Utah Jazz in six games.
From the University of North Carolina…at guard...#23... Michael Jordan, will forever be remembered as His Airness is enshrined within the hallowed grounds of the birthplace of basketball.

Text: Jared Wheeler