New Era Sessions – European Design Series

In 1954 New Era brought the 59FIFTY to life; a symbol of self-expression, and sport, it has transcended time, bringing a voice to a new era of believers and visionaries. In 2007 New Era’s mission is to fan the fires of individuality and bring a new wave of customization to the forefront. Within this cap there is a history, loyalty, style, and a future.
Born out of the success of New Era’s Capture the Flag program, the European design program NE|SESSIONS sees quality and diversity at the forefront, giving designers the chance to create a truly unique piece of headwear in the form of New Era’s signature silhouette, the 59FIFTY as a one-off piece ready for exhibition in the UK, France and Germany. The limited edition caps will showcase the unique talent of legends, upstarts and forward thinkers whose work mirrors the high quality and constant change of the 59FIFTY.
The first phase of NE|SESSIONS took place in November 2006, with unique designs created by the crème de la crème of the fashion, music, action sport and lifestyle industries, including French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, music producer Mel Beatz, photographer Armen, skateboarder Danny Wainwright and Nadege, a DJ who heads up all PR activities for Parisian boutique, Colette. Nadege is married to another NEW ERA |SESSIONS designer Pedro Winter, the creator of Headbanger Entertainment.
NE |SESSIONS continued with it’s second phase in March of this year with exclusive designs by musician Jack Peñate, street magician Dynamo, grime photographers Tim&Barry, WAD Magazine publisher Bruno Collin, French DJ’s Little Mike and Crazy B and German actor Max Von Thun.
The completed pieces and the inspiration behind each design will be showcased across Europe with the UK designers taking lead in an exhibition  in New Era’s first European flagship store in Brewer Street, London. The French and German pieces will be exhibited in New Era’s next flagship stores due to open in the respective countries early Spring 2008.
Despite the Sessions program not being for commercial proposes, three of the exhibited cap designs by Karen Jane, Jack Peñate and Tim & Barry have been made into 12 limited edition pieces to be sold at the London flagship store at 72-74 Brewer Street with 100% profits going to a charity of the designer’s choice.
Check out a selection of the New Era Session caps after the jump.