Aloha kākou!
For our Spring 2016 collection, rather than look elsewhere for inspiration, we chose to turn our attention to those closest to us—our FITTED ‘ohana. This season, we’re getting up close and personal with our “hui” (Hawaiian for club or company), as we allowed each of our team members to dream up two hats, each utilizing their choice of silhouette (59FIFTY fitted or 9FIFTY snapback), front logo, color-blocking, and materials—resulting in unique pieces that hold special value to the team members that created them. A few of our stockists on the Mainland will release their own store exclusives in the near future as well. Please note that all hats in this collection were produced in limited quantities.
Each piece has a special story behind it, and what better way to hear those stories than from the creators themselves? Every release will be authored by the team member responsible for that design, for an even more personal touch. This Spring season, we hope to share a little more about our hui with you.
Name: J
AKA: @jjparkz
Title/Position: Production Manager | Senior Graphic Designer | Logistics Coordinator
Favorite place in Hawaii? In front of a nice meal with family and friends.
One thing you can't live without? Love.
What are you doing when you aren't working? Working.
Favorite FITTED hat? Blue crown, red button, white logo, green undervisor FITSTRIKE Kamehameha
What inspires you? Seeing others wearing FITTED proudly.
GKBT200 MUA SNAPBACK
By Parkz
So I guess I'll start with a quick background for those of you whom I haven't had the pleasure of personally meeting…I go by a few nicknames, primarily JJ and/or Parkz and I've been through just about every position here at FITTED since I started with the company around ten years ago. Born and raised on ʻOahu, I took any and every chance I had to travel or broaden my scope of life through various activities/opportunities. At a very young age, I was heavily eager to learn things I enjoyed such as music, fashion, art, sports, and anything mechanical. Somehow, through a long series of friendships and events, I was led to FITTED. I still remenisce often about my younger years and how I was so set on working in the fashion industry. Shortly after FITTED opened its doors, I was in the shop sweeping the floor and dusting the hat cubbies. Fast forward to a few years later, I found myself sitting at my very own office desk in the old Varsity Building FITTED office, where I would work and learn design while I wasn’t at the Kona Street shop. Somewhere along the way, Ola and Cuzzo felt I had earned my very own leather office chair and desktop computer. After many good and stressful memories, I have now had the opportunity to learn nearly every aspect of the business. Over this last third of my life, I have developed a deep respect and humble appreciation for Ola and Cuzzo allowing me to join them on this journey. My experiences at FITTED have shaped so much of my being and serving aloha daily will forever be carved within me.
“GKBT200” MUA | limited to 100 pcs
This hat is simply inspired by most of my personal favorite FITSTRIKES I've designed in the past decade; It embodies my personal growth and path to refinement while condensing my life at FITTED into a single tangible representation. For as long as I can remember, I've diligently tried to live my life by three simple reminders and these had a huge influence on the many opportunities I've experienced through FITTED...
(1) Grow Knowledge.
It is important to always be hungry for new teachings, for this is the only way we can grow as individuals. Learn something daily. Knowledge is power.
(2) Be True.
Being trustworthy is one of the most important things in life. Sharing trust is often one of the hardest things to do, yet can be so simple with understanding. When you're true to yourself, you feel better and live with more positivity.
(3) 200.
Always give your absolute best at anything you do and it will pave a wide road to productive possibilities. When the person next to you gives their hundred percent, there's no need to worry because you just gave double of that.
This will be the only hat for my “Hui” Collection release this Spring season. Deepest mahalo to all of you who have supported me along the way…
Grow Knowledge | Be True | 200
GKBT200.
Side Note:
It is a great honor for me to dedicate this release to my anonymous brother, one of the best people I've met in all of my relationships here at FITTED. Recent unfortunate events have taken him to a better place and I just want him and his family to know that he's been at the forefront of my thoughts and prayers.
Brother, you were truly a gem in this often harsh world. I may have never mentioned this, but I always found you to be a great inspiration. Through every conversation with you, I found it refreshing to know people like you exist. Always smiling, always positive; You were truly the perfect model of GKBT200. It is unfortunate for me to express my true thoughts of you in this manner, but please know you have been so much more than a friend and loyal supporter. I have no doubts in my mind that The Universe has very special plans for you... This hat is for you, brother!
Along with the GKBT200 Mua snapback, we’ll also be releasing a brand new long sleeve tee in both black and white. Titled Primary, this design features the words ALOHA, SERVED, and DAILY on the chest, right sleeve, and left sleeve, respectively. It also features a green crown on the back. The name comes from the use of primary colors red, yellow, and blue on the front and sleeves. For an added special effect, the words come together to complete our signature motto when the wearer’s arms are crossed.
