On Friday, I was lucky enough to attend New Era Introducing’s Celebration of Unique Expression in Headwear Design event, held in Toronto.
New Era, the ‘international lifestyle brand with an authentic sports heritage‘ held a contest looking to showcase international talent by utilizing a blank sports cap. Each cap represents the individual and their own self-expression. Personally, I found that the expressions portrayed in some of the caps moving – by utilizing a blank canvas such as a sport cap, and turning it into something so unique and different, it was such a beautiful representation of the inner workings of society today (i.e. depression, angst, love, hate, war, beauty, etc).
See below for some of the beautiful caps portrayed in this event. Fair warning, it will be picture heavy.
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| Side View of the Case Showcasing the Caps |
This hat showcases a child’s nighmare. Alexander Perez utilized his childhood memories of the fight between reality and his imagination. I’m very impressed with all the sketch / pencil work done with this hat, it must have taken ages!
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| Amazing quotes from the creators adored the walls |
Take a look at the detail on this cap. Dylan Pierpont wanted to capture a moment in time with his hat – he showcased a child, amongst the metal and scrap, using his imagination to find inspiration and wonder.
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| Some of the hats mounted on the walls – including an Obama hat! |
I loved this hat! Marcos Castillo utilized his hat to create a metaphor for society. The smoking melting ice cream showcases how society does things to intentionally harm itself, and destroy it’s own goals. The ice cream hat portrays someone who wants to look ‘cool’, yet ends up only cutting short his own life.
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| Another amazing quote from the creators |
This cap was intricately designed. Rodrigo Bonifacio Ramirez used pencils and black markers to create this hat.
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| Side View of the Case |
Jonas Sansome wanted to make a monster hat – he utilized a ZOETROPE idea, and made zombie popcorn! I specifically liked his description – “If humans turned into pools of blood when they are attacked by zombies, what would popcorn boxes turn into when attacked by zombie popcorn boxes? Pools of butter, of course!”
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| Another amazing quote |
Marconi took the bold step of using a lot of colour, because even though colour reflects the vibrancy and beauty of life, it also reflects the intensity that pain can draw upon. Well done, Marconi.
With winning, Marconi is awarded $10,000 to spend on his blossoming art career, with his piece being showcasing in a travelling exhibit and in a new book from New Era. Congratulations!
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The New Era Gallery is on from November 9th to the 11th at the Edward Day Gallery (on Queen Street West) located in Toronto.
As always, my email is ashley@torontobeautyreviews.com.
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Thank you Elaine! Oh wow, that’s so true. I’ve never realized that before.
Sad story too – one of the caps was stolen that night! Luckily, it turned up in an alley way, but seriously, why steal it?
Thanks for sharing Ash! What an interesting exhibit and glad you were able to share pictures. It’s funny I always notice that ‘good vs evil’ is always ‘white vs black’ and for women ‘blonde vs brunette’. Wonder where that all started.