Releasing exclusively in-store and online this Tuesday, February 23rd at 11am HST.
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: Ryan Auyoung
AKA: Ryagra
Title/Position: Social Media Manager | Lifestyle Photographer | Hat Slanger
Favorite place in Hawaii? 96822 | 96763
One thing you can't live without? Air/Water | Family/Friends (a close second)
What are you doing when you aren't working? Breaking Belts & Pant Buttons | Living Out of Suitcases | Land Roving | Yelling Politely at 1438 Kona Street
Favorite FITTED hat? Pantanama Snapback | Hunters Mahalo Snapback
What inspires you? Originality | Creativity | Positivity | Aloha Served
MANELE MUA SNAPBACK
By Ryan Auyoung
Dedicated to my wife and Lanaʻi native, Del Auyoung (Myers).
I am the stereotypical “townie,” born and raised here in the city of Honolulu. Rarely did I partake in outdoor activities like going to the beach, hiking, fishing or surfing, taking in what this beautiful island has to offer for granted. I love my tall buildings, bar hopping, clubs, Starbucks, malls, boutiques, food chains and the "fast" life this island is known for.
Rewind to several years ago when I met a girl from Lanaʻi who I ended up falling in love with. She took me back home with her for my first time and honestly I was a little shell shocked. This townie wasn't used to small town country life and to be surrounded by so much nature. Wait what, everything closes at 7:30pm? It took me a couple more visits to Lanaʻi to really appreciate the beauty of the island and the spirit of the people. Fortunately for me, I was able to visit places of the island that most people (tourists) don't know about and don't get to see. Lanaʻi has become my second home which I try to visit at least three times a year. There aren't many places in Hawaiʻi where there are no traffic lights, where you wave to everyone you drive by on the street, where you don't have to lock your car or house at night or where you pick up ice from someone's garage and leave cash based on the honor system. Most beaches are secluded and the land and ocean can still provide ample food for your family. Old Hawaiʻi. It takes you back to a simpler time and a stronger sense of community.
The snapback I designed represents Lanaʻi and its amazing culture which I've grown to love. I’ve dubbed it Manele Mua since Manele Bay is one of the most popular spots on the island. Since hunting is one of the biggest sports on Lanaʻi, I chose a woodland camo crown. It also consists of gold eyelets, white New Era logo and a white crest over a white snapback. Lanaʻi only has one school on the island and the colors are green and gold which I used in the Mua. The irony of the word Mua is that it roughly translates to “advance, ahead, forward (move forward)” which can be a touchy subject to Lanaʻi locals since they go to great lengths to preserve their way of life. I often correlate the FITTED design “Hawaiʻi Is Not For Sale” with Lanaʻi because although it is privately owned, no wealthy owner can take the spirit, culture and aloha away from the residents of this beautiful island.
We'll also be releasing our Eagles tee on Tuesday to pair up with the Manele Mua. This brand new design is inspired by classic Eagles album covers, with its stylized lettering along with a uniquely patterned animal skull underneath. Our signature crown adorns the upper back as well.
