Universal Article Archives
Universal Article Archives
Reintroducing the original Universal Article blog from 2006-2011.
Deluxe 'La Esquina' Panama Straw Hat @ Bridge
Deluxe Clothing has released these great looking Panama Straw Hats as part of their Spring 2010 collection. These fine pieces are Deluxe branded, made and blocked in Ecuador S.A. La Esquina (The Corner) hats feature a standard to sub-fine hand woven, straw, weave and sport a short brim. The hats are finished off with a grosgrain ribbon and brass domed, Deluxe Clothing nameplate. Available at Bridge Tokyo in S, M, & L.
Images: Deluxe
Christy's Straw Fedora Hats by Tony Merenda @ Arth
Arth is now stocking Christy's spring fresh, straw fedora hats designed by Tony Merenda. Tony is lead designer at Christy's Crown Series and responsible for some of the slickest hats coming from the brand. These new hats are made with lightweight straw and offered in natural, light navy, or lavender options. Each hat features intricate braided bands, stingy brims, a deep crown pinch, and contrast brim taping. Check both Arth's Costa Mesa O.C. and Soho NYC locations for availability.
Image: Arth
Inside Label: Tony Lucadello's Straw Fedora Hat
On September 12, 1972, Michael Jack Schmidt made his debut for the Philadelphia Phillies. It was the eyes of Tony Lucadello, a Midwest scout for the Phillies, who saw the potential of Schmidt and drafted him in the second round of the 1971 draft. Lucadello had been following Schmidt since his little league days in Dayton, Ohio. Lucadello didn’t want other scouts to catch on to the potential which he saw in Schmidt. This caused him to scout Schmidt from rooftops, behind bushes and from parked cars beside the field.
Lucadello was also responsible for bringing Ferguson Jenkins to the attention of the Phillies, signing him in 1962. Both Schmidt and Jenkins have since been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Lucadello emphasized the importance of the fundamentals of the game. His ideology was known as “The Lucadello Plan.” He ran clinics which featured basic drills in which one could do to improve themselves. These drills required just a ball and a wall. Lucadello believed every boy should have a wall to practice on outside of their house. In response, fathers across the Midwest began building walls for their sons to practice the drills within “The Lucadello Plan.”
Lucadello’s straw fedora hat rests within the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It is constructed from panama straw and is woven in its natural color. Wrapped around the crown is a brown sublimated silk cloth. Lucadello was known to wear these types of hats while scouting because of his desire to keep a low profile.
Sadly, Lucadello committed suicide in the spring of 1989. He did so shortly after he was informed by the Phillies that his services were no longer needed. He has forever left an impact on the perception of player development.
Images/Text: Jared E. Wheeler
New Festival Hats from Bailey @ UrbanExcess.com
UrbanExcess.com has just stocked up on new Bailey Trilby Straw Hats catergoized under Festival Hats. Below is a snap shot of a few style options now being offered at UrbanExcess. First up is Bailey's Guthrie Trilby Straw Hat in a natural color made with Bailey's LiteStraw. LiteStraw is a treatment applied during the final stages of production, which allows the straw weave to become softer and flexible for total fit. Next up are the retro pattern, Mannes braided Straw Trilby Hats. This hat features a thinner woven band with 1 & 1/2 snap-brim. Rounding out the offering is Bailey's summer classics, Salem Centre Dent Straw Hat in darker natural and the Billy Centre Dent Straw Hat in light grey. All hats are designed in Hollywood, CA and feature center dents, woven bands, and standard Bailey pins. Get yours now through UrbanExcess.com.
Images: UrbanExcess