King Stampede Nick L interview

Founder of both BOUNDLESS NY and KING STAMPEDE, in the past 8 years Nick Langella has taken his purchase of diyhiphop.com (still links to Boundless, check it) and with the help of his team turned it into a mini empire. The man, Sticky Stampede, took some time out of his busy day to sit down with SF and give you some insight into some of his favorite fitteds, the future of KS and how his team has remained innovative. Enjoy.

KS: It seems like the fitted hat market has changed dramatically since 2003 when King Stampede put out their first New Era. What are some of your fondest memories of those first few years making fitteds?

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NL: The best and earliest memories of putting out our first New Era fitted caps was to be doing something that no other small, independently run company had done at the time. It was a major buzz in the game when we first collab’d with New Era in 2004.

KS: A follow up to question #1. What changes have you had to make now to adjust to the 2009-2010′s fitted climate?

NL: Well the game is totally different now. In the past it wasn’t so easy to get a New Era Action Sports account. It kinda felt like we were invited into some exclusive club. That was a really exciting time for King Stampede to be putting out such innovative hats. That quickly changed and the market became way over saturated. It wasn’t as special anymore. I mean a fitted is always going to be in demand but there is a way to keep things more sacred in this game. As a brand we have grown from a tee shirt and hat company to a complete apparel brand so our approach to making hats and clothes in general has progressed.

KS: If you had to pick your all time favorite fitted, what would it be? Why? (Not necessarily a KS Fitted)

NL: I have to narrow down to 3.

1. NY New Era

2. Chilly Willy

3. Super Max New Era. Timeless classic.

KS: How do you keep your team motivated to keep KS hats innovative?

NL: That’s easy. My team is one of the strongest in the game and that’s what keeps us ahead of the curve. At KS, our environment is very open and free, thus creating the ultimate creative experience. Our past, present, and future life experiences keep things moving forward at a rapid pace, so being innovative comes natural to us.

KS: For Spring 2010, King Stampede has started with its own Private Label fitteds. Why make the move to produce a Private Label King Stampede Fitted program?

NL: We have some big plans in store for our Private Label Fitted program. It is sorta in it’s beta mode right now. Our own private label will help to separate us from an over saturated market.

KS: What else do you have in store for King Stampede in 2010 – 2011?

NL: “THE WORLD CHICO!! Build Up, Stay Cryptic!!!”

king stampede nick L