Universal Article Canvas Edition 001: Adventures Of Muideen

Here's the first installment of Universal Article's Canvas Edition showcase, which will focus on the creativity and ingenuity of featured artists expressing their talents using headwear as their canvas. In the spirit of the graffiti artists' Blackbook, this category will showcase many creative skills and styles on various hats and caps.

We set it off with illustrator and graphic artist Muideen Ogunmola, hailing from Detroit, Michigan serving up a surrealist assortment of sci-fi themed, comic art. Upon viewing his work, we seized on the opportunity to have Muideen customize three fitted caps inspired by his pencil sketches for a comic book cover he has in the works. The caps were each treated with a gesso base and painted in acrylic medium. The results are hard shell fitted caps filled with vivid colors and sealed off with a crystal satin finish. Muideen is collaborating with UA to offer up one of these custom caps to whoever leaves a comment on this post or on his Blockhead - From The D-Block blog, the definite site featuring his most current works and happenings.

Inside Label: Tim McAuliffe, Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers Unique Mesh Fitted Cap

On October 4, 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the seventh game of the World Series. It would be the first and only World Series title seen by the Dodger faithful within the Brooklyn borrows. The memorable season penned by the Brooklyn Dodgers overshadowed the importance of the youthful potential of Sandy Koufax, the Dodgers left handed throwing bonus baby. A Brooklyn native and a college student, Sandy Koufax inked his first professional contract at the age of eighteen. Koufax would win two games for the 1955 Dodgers but his dominance within the game would begin during his years in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. Koufax would help the Dodgers win the 1959 World Series as they played their home games at the Los Angeles Coliseum. As baseball moved through the expansion decade, Koufax dominated the National League by throwing four perfect games in the span of four seasons. The last of his no-hitters was a perfect game.

Koufax’s presence within the game of baseball also served as an influence within the social binds of America. Koufax, who is of the Jewish faith, elected not to pitch the first game of the 1965 World Series due to it falling on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for those of the Jewish belief. Despite his absence in game one, Koufax pitched a three hit shutout in game seven on just two days rest. His gutsy performance helped the Dodgers win the World Series. It would be the fourth and final World Series title won by Koufax.

In 1966, Koufax won 27 games and helped the Dodgers win the pennant. However, it would be the constant pain in his arm that would cause him to retire after the 1966 season at the age of 30. Five years later Koufax would be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

This uniquely styled royal mesh fitted hat was worn by Sandy Koufax at the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The hat was constructed by Boston's Tim McAuliffe Cap Company, whose tag is stitched into the headband. The stylized Brooklyn B crosses the front two panels of the hat. The white threaded B is directly embroidered onto the mesh material. The under-visor is lined in green cloth. Koufax’s retired number 32 is etched in black ink atop the green cloth. A royal covered metal button rests at the top of the crown. This rare, historical piece is currently being auctioned off by Robert Edwards Auctions.

Images: Robert Edwards Auctions
Text: J.Wheeler

ELM Company Spring/Summer 2010 Headwear

Below is a look at some new headwear pieces from ELM Company's Spring/Summer 2010 offering.  Starting off with the Three Stripe fitted cap, this style is made with waxed duck canvas and features three striped stitch-down application and ELM embroidery on the side panel. The three stripe fitted cap is also offered in mustard.  Next up, ELM brings out more 5-Panels constructed out of different plaid fabrics and made to connect to their apparel line.  All pieces are now available through official ELM dealers.

Images: ELM Company

Stadium 2010 4th Collection New Era Fitted Caps

Stadium has just released their latest, in-house branded, fitted caps done up with New Era.  This new, 4th collection consist of their primary S logo on wool, which is offered in black, royal, red, and navy all with contrast white stitch and eyelets. The under visors are laced in kelly green and Stadium wordmark embroidered on the back.  Stadium also brings out two extra options, one in gold/black two-tone and a second cap in standard camouflage fabric. All caps are available now through the Stadium online shop and Shibuya store.

Images: Stadium/Lafayette

Mr.Hsieh Classic Logo Fitted Caps

Below are the premier Mr.Hsieh fitted caps produced in connection with ELM Company.  The Classic Logo styles feature Hammer X Uzi logo in raised embroidery and brand word mark on the back panels.  Mr.Hsieh offers this design in either grey tweed or SF black/orange wool with printed under visors. Produced in limited runs of 50... cop yours at the official Mr.Hsieh Market.

Images: Mr.Hsieh

Hall Of Fame x Mitchell & Ness 'Upside Down' Fitted Caps

Hall Of Fame continues their stream of new styles, this time re-connecting with Mitchell & Ness to literally “flip-shit” with the Upside Down fitted caps in NFL Throwbacks, NBA Hardwood Classics, and NHL Vintage.  This collection features the NY Giants, LA Raiders, and SF 49ers for NFL, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Orlando Magic for NBA, plus the LA Kings for some hockey representation. Each cap is made in standard wool and features league logos on the back panels plus custom Hall Of Fame script embroidered on the under visors.  The Upside Down fitteds released today and will definitely be moving fast.  Check their Fairfax location for quick access or hit them up online.