Our Story
Put on a BLOCK trilby and see if you don’t talk with more passion and purpose. Slide on one of our ivy caps and instantly add some East Coast swagger to your step. What is it about BLOCK that feels so New York”? It’s not the superior design and superb fit or the contemporary yet classic looks we serve up each season. It’s the confidence (bordering on cockiness) you feel when you’re wearing one. You can’t put a price on that…good thing it’s free with every purchase.
THE BRAND
The brand name, BLOCK, pays homage to the centuries old art of hat making, where material is molded and steamed around a piece of wood – a “block” to give a hat its shape. While the brand was conceived solely with headwear in mind, it is presently introducing additional accessories categories for men.
Its founder and designer, Cuban born Ciomi McCabe, launched BLOCK Headwear in May 2000, out of New York, where she and the company are based. In March 2006 Concept One Accessories acquired BLOCK Headwear where Ciomi remains as designer and Creative Director of the brand. BLOCK NEW YORK will continue to deliver fresh looks each season while staying true to its roots in reworking classic silhouettes and offering unique designs.
SHOP BLOCK
Barneys New York and Fred Segal LA were the first shops to sell BLOCK headwear. Today, the brand continues to be sold at better stores throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Europe. In April 2010, BLOCK NEW YORK opened its flagship store at 10 Prince Street, in the Nolita area of New York City.
ROCK BLOCK
Influencers are quick to recognize BLOCK as a directional brand in today’s men’s contemporary market. Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Neil Patrick Harris have all been spotted rocking BLOCK. The brand continues to develop through product placement in publications, films, TV and music videos. Block was recently featured in the Father’s Day Gift Guide in PEOPLE magazine and in Thursday’s STYLE section of The New York Times.