Jim Farsetta King Stampede

James “Papers” Farsetta has been the King Stampede Design Director since the beginning in 2003. Before that he was doing illustration, After Effects for video and web design. He is a graduate of School of Visual Arts – Class of ’97 and father of 2 and one hell of an artist. Follow his inner most thoughts and inspirations on his picture blog here. And check below to find out the why behind the KS fitted design processes. Our interview follows after the jump.

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KS: Why fitteds?

JP$: Look around, everyone wears hats, they are a staple in our society. Plus its a great way to express otherwise inexpressible vibes thru the use of symbols and phrases on something that will potentially last forever.

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KS: Favorite fitted baseball cap?

JP$: My personal favorite is the Fiesta Hat. It was crafted so immaculately by New Era. We were all so stoked to show that at the trade show that season. Only thing that was annoying was that it took like 5 months later than we needed it and a few other cats came out with the “Rug” pattern at the same time. Either way, that hat ruled in my opinion.

KS: Crafting A fitted is …

JP$: Something I look forward too each and every season.

KS: The first time you brought a New Era to a Trade Show …

JP$: Very few, if any, of the other “Streetwear” brands had access to New Era. People were stoked to see them and customers were buying them up like they were going out of style. It was at the very begining of the fitted craze. Kinda sucks the market got to over saturated. Made it not as fun to make them.

KS: Favorite Non King Stampede Fitted Cap?

JP$: Jeff Staple – Pigeon Hat ( The original Black one )

KS: What’s next for King Stampede?

JP$: King Stampede Private Label FItted Program. Coming Spring 2010 to a retailer near you. Just for the record we are no longer working with New Era Cap Company. They are a great company and we were pleased to work with such masters of the Craft, but it was important for us to step away and begin our our private label of caps. We promise the same quality and attention to detail as always.