There are a select few whose talents personify a genre. Amongst many other accomplishments, BENNY GOLD has been consistantly pumping out heat in fitted baseball caps. Graphic designer, skater, cyclist and long time creative collaborator of Keith “HUF” Hufnagel, Benny Gold is a man of many hats (literally). Mr. Gold’s design portfolio includes an impressive clientele. The abbreviated list includes mega-brands NIKE, ADIDAS, MASH and DVS. STRICTLY FITTEDS recently sat down with BENNY GOLD and gained some insight on the methods behind his magic and his unapologetic love for snap-backs. We aint mad at all …

The full length article follows after the jump >>

sFs: Skateboards and fitted caps - explain that combo.
BG: I was just having this conversation the other day with a friend. Skating with a hat on keeps you focused for some reason. I always feel like I am way more into the sesh (session) when I am wearing a hat. Maybe it is like blinders on a horse. A hat keeps you focused on what you are skating. Who knows. They also look dope on.

sFs: We asked KEITH HUFNAGEL to explain the HUF / BENNY GOLD chemistry. He gave us a real down-to-earth answer saying, “HUH? We just skate and create.” Can you pick up where he left off?
BG: Ha! I think he was giving a nod to one of the shirts I put out for Fall. That’s basically it thou… we work together on the HUF brand and skate together. I wish I was as good as him on the board, but that’s a whole different story.

sFs: What made you choose fitteds specifically, verses snap back adjustable or flex fit caps?
BG: Fitteds seem to be taking the place of sneakers in terms of collecting them. I have never seen a line for a snap back. To tell you the truth thou. I love rocking vintage STARTER caps – especially Miami ones.

sFs: Your products fly off the shelves. What do you considered the greatest accomplishment of your career so far?
BG: I try to make every project I am working on an accomplishment. Honestly I put everything I have into every project. Once they are on the shelves I am happy. I am thankful that people seem to be into some of the things I have created. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support.

sFs: What single factor do think has most contributed to the “rebirth” of the fitted cap?
BG: I said it before, but fitteds are taking the place of sneakers for collectors. I have seen people in line for fitteds and buy 10 at a time. If you were doing that with shoes that would be an expensive purchase. It takes less money to grow a hat collection then a shoe collection.

sFs: How do you stay creatively potent while working on so many different projects? What is the ideal balance?
BG: Sometimes I feel like i stretch myself too thin. It is hard to say no to opportunities. Definitely sneaking away from the work to get on the board or bike helps. When I get too busy and my board starts collecting dust I definitely feel less inspired. Skating keeps me moving.

sFs: What one quality would you say best reflects the BENNY GOLD style?
BG: Really really dope! Naw, I’m playing. I pride myself on having a reason for everything. I think good design all stems from a strong concept.

sFs: Does creating designs for baseball caps challenge you in different ways than a tee shirt, skateboard deck or a company logo?
BG: Good design is good design no matter what it’s on. I am a fan of logo work thou.

sFs: You are a Miami boy. Do you experience any culture shock when you first moved to the Bay area?
BG: I was so stoked. I always wanted to live in SF. I never really had a consistent crew to skate with growing up. Everyone kept quitting or moving away. I found myself skating by myself most of high school, so when I got to the bay area I was glad to have skate crew. Most of the friends I made when I moved here 10 years ago are still close friends now.

sFs: Your recently launched your own line. What can we expect to see fitted cap-wise in 2008?
BG: I am looking at a desk full of samples right now. I have been experimenting with patterns and the paper airplane theme that I am so fond of lately. I took a few pics for you. Hopefully I didn’t give too much away.

sFs: What if any advice would you give to up a coming designer?
BG: I feel that I am still working on coming up. We just got to keep doing it and stay focused. Keep it honest and original. I also suggest staying away from ripping other people off. That’s never a good look.

sFs: Sizing stickers: TRASH IT or FLASH IT?
BG: I am going to get *@#t for this, but I always flash it. A good friend of mine teases me about it. He asks me if I am keeping it on there so people know what size i wear in case they want to get me a gift. If you are getting me a gift I wear a 7 1/4″.

sFs: Can you give us one example of how your experience as a skater has directly translated into your design work?
BG: I thinks skating and creativity goes hand and hand. Skaters for the most part always make good artist. When I went to art school, I was surprised to see so many other skateboarders there. I think skateboarding is such an individual activity that it breeds creativity. There is no team or coach telling you what to do. You have to think for yourself.

sFs: Why do you think baseball caps have remained such a fashion staple over the years?
BG: I think they remain a staple because of the fact they are licensed product. Being the official hat the national baseball league keeps it proper. Something like that will never go out of style.

sFs: What can we catch you in when you are not rocking a HUF or BENNY GOLD fitted?
BG: I am a fan of Florida snap back hats for sure.

sFs: What edge does NEW ERA bring to the table, when it comes to creative process of making a fitted baseball cap?
BG: New era can do anything. There resources are amazing. If you can think they can make it. It has been a pleasure working with them.

sFs: The scene is saturated with brands. There is a heavy “monkey-see, monkey-do” approach to street wear. What is at the the core of a successful label?
BG: Originality and staying true to your vision. That in my opinion is the key to anything, not just street wear.

sFs: Thanks for taking the time out. Got any shout outs?
BG: I am always thankful to Keith for everything and Strictly Fitteds for being interested in what I have to say. Thank you!

STRICTLY FITTEDS wants to thanks BENNY GOLD for being generous with his time. Be sure to get your daily dose of the life times and designs of BENNY GOLD at www.bennygold.com. You can purchase select pieces of his line at his online webshop: www.staygoldcreative.com/shop.

photos: BENNY GOLD