“A well fitted cap is like a good pair of jeans, there’s a pair out there for everybody and anybody,” says Daniel Broderick, the managing director of New Era in the Asia Pacific. For the general public, many are unfamiliar with the humble beginnings that brought the piece of headwear toward its signature status. New Era’s story dates back more than a century, when in 1920 they initially introduced the standard professional baseball cap.
By 1954, the brand had developed the 59fifty baseball cap, which was eventually adopted by Major League Baseball as an official supplier throughout all of its franchised teams till present day. Seventy years later, the model had begun to emerge from its sports-centric roots, with the 59Fifty cap having evolved to become a staple in fashion, music, and popular culture. “Now you can find it in fashion shows, in runways, red carpets, and on music stages across the world,” says Daniel.
This year, New Era is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its franchise model with a special 59Fifty Day, which was held in the bustling streets of Manila and in the coastal city of Hong Kong. During its Hong Kong celebration, 70 collaborations from different designers, institutions, and artisans from across the globe were unveiled in commemoration of the model’s 70th year. The 59Fifty cap has transcended its origins, becoming a symbol of style and self-expression beyond sports.
“It’s the foundation of everything we do,” says Broderick, highlight.
