Star Shots

Block Headwear spotted on Twilight star Cam Gigandet

If you haven’t heard of the blockbuster movie and best-selling book series Twilight then you must be living under a rock. Otherwise you know exactly who Cam Gigandet is and why we’re so stoked to see him rockin’ this Block Headwear bandana.

For those who don’t know, Cam Joslin Gigandet is an American actor, perhaps best known for portraying the character of Kevin Volchok on the FOX television series “The O.C.” Most recently, Gigandet starred as James in the 2008 film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel Twilight. Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling series with over 17 million books in print, Twilight is already a cultural phenomenon that may rival legendary hit series Harry Potter.

Paparazzi caught up with Cam on January 2nd in the Los Feliz area of Hollywood shopping with his five-months-pregnant girlfriend, actress Dominique Geisendorff. Cam may have those “bad boy” looks and rocker style, but the gentleman is carrying his lady’s purse. What a sweetheart.

December 2008

Picking Up Signals

Antenna magazine keeps Block on its radar

Unlike most mainstream magazines, Antenna doesn’t use celebrities, models, concept shoots, service stories, or whatever else they deem superfluous to their mission: which is “to become a guidebook, allowing readers to navigate our extensive collection of products compiled in a single publication, while championing the people who create, sell, and collect them—all in one comprehensive, artful, elegant and innovative format.” Now that’s a mouthful! No wonder they publish a magazine the size of a book.

Antenna magazine launched in Fall 2007, targeting individuals who are “on a constant quest for the newest and coolest products on the horizon.” In 2008 Block Headwear was featured in Antenna magazine’s Spring and Winter books.

We look forward to seeing what Antenna picks up and puts out next year.

November 2008

Shots in the Dark

Tyler Shields photographs Block for new website launch

Block Headwear’s marketing & pr team Contra-Band connected with LA-based photographer Tyler Shields to give our first true ad campaign some electricity. And that he did! Tyler’s assistant Morgan powered up huge strobes from a generator in the back of his truck, spotlighting these shots taken on the east side of downtown LA. In true Contra-Band style, they managed wardrobe out of the trunk and models changed in the back seat of Tyler’s car.

Many thanks to Howe for donating all of the clothing worn by the male models in the shoot, with the exception of one great pair of 1921 jeans. Styling credit goes to Daryl Forkell. Hair and makeup was done by Ashley Harris. Models included Kyle Loethan, Julian Foster, and Mary Roth. Final photography editing and retouching was done by Jelina Saurenman.

Check out Tyler Shield’s hot shots here and now on our spankin’ new website.

November 2008

Reality Bites

MTV’s Johnny rocks Block on “The Island” reunion episode

Will we ever get sick of the guilty pleasure known as “reality TV”? And what, miss the chance to watch people make fools of themselves for the amusement of millions? Of course not!

The OG of reality television series producers, MTV has made lucrative properties in series like Real World and Road Rules. This year the two shows collided on “RW/RR Challenge: The Island.”

On the show’s reunion episode, Real World Key West bad boy “Johnny” rocked Block’s “MILES” trilby, in stores now as part of our Fall/Winter 08 collection. While one may cringe at Johnny’s personal behavior on television, we certainly give him props for having great taste in hats.

March 2008

Super Heroes

Block Headwear sponsors Athletes First Classic charity golf tournament

The annual Athletes First Classic is the company’s signature event, raising money for Orangewood, a home for abused and disadvantaged children. Held in March each year, the Athletes First Classic brings together the company’s clients – NFL athletes, coaches, and retired players – for a two-day extravaganza at the luxurious St. Regis Resort in Dana Point, California. The dinner program and phenomenal silent and live auctions along with a unique golf tournament the following day make this a “can’t miss” weekend for Athletes First clients.

In past years the Classic has been covered nationally by ESPN and NFL Network and honored luminaries such as Pat Tilman, Peter Ueberroth, Steve Young, Drew Bledsoe, and more. To date, the Athletes First Classic has raised over $700,000 for underprivileged kids in Orange County.

In 2007 and 2008 Block Headwear sponsored the Athletes First Classic, providing a gift suite for guests and hosting a hole at the charity golf tournament. Some of the players we’ve introduced to Block include Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselback and New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel.

February 2003

Will & Testament

Will Smith rocks Block beanies like no other

Over the years we’ve gifted Will Smith with lots of Block hats. His clear favorite: Block beanies.

We’ve tried our best to keep track of all the photos and video clips we’ve seen of Will rocking Block hats over the years. Somehow we just never get enough!

Thanks, Will. We could literally never repay you the value of your allegiance to Block Headwear.

April 2000

Sound Logic

Jazz innovator DJ Logic rocks Block

The theorem of turntablist-as-musician has been long proven in the capable hands of DJ Logic, who with jazz as his foundation has become a wax innovator by crossing genres and sprinkling his sound across the map. As one of the world’s most accomplished turntablists, DJ Logic is widely credited for introducing jazz into the hip-hop realm and is considered by most as a highly respected session musician and an innovative bandleader.

Since his emergence in the early nineties amidst the Bronx hip-hop scene, the New York City based deejay has been amassing a veritable mountain of collaborations ranging from the likes of: Medeski Martin and Wood, Christian McBride, Vernon Reid, Charlie Hunter, Jack DeJohnette, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Mos Def, and The Roots, to name but a few. A fan of Block Headwear since we met back in 2000, DJ Logic rocks Block on and off stage. For the gift of his friendship we are thankful, but even moreso for his gift to all of us – soulful jazz with a hip-hop vibe. Keep them tables turnin!