New Era might be planning to close its flagship store on Queen West but that doesn't mean the brand's presence in Toronto is going away, and the brand's new "Sessions" series is proof. Launching today via the New Era Canada Instagram page, the series will feature buzzing artists discussing the intersections of music, fashion and culture in the Great White North.
The first Session features Sean Leon, who just released his excellent album I Think You've Gone Mad (Or The Sins Of The Father) this year. Leon talks about his evolving style over the years, and how he once favoured New Era's classic 59FIFTY fitteds worn over a durag, a sweatband or even two sweatbands.
The New Era Cap Company was founded in Buffalo in 1920 and manufactures various apparel and accessories but has become best known for its hats—including fitteds, snapbacks and the recent "dad hats" which Leon alludes to in his interview—which have become an essential part of hip hop and pop culture. The Toronto store opened on Queen West in August 2007, but is the latest in a string of closures in the area as rising rents make it harder for retailers to stay in business. The company still has stores in Buffalo, New York City, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Berlin, Birmingham, London, Paris and Tokyo.
Peep the first installment of the #NewEraSessions above and stay tuned to their Instagram for more as the series rolls out.
