I'm a big fan of New Era caps. I mean most people put on a cap on bad hair days which never ever happens to me but a cap is a very important fashion accessory to have. Especially as a guy, it's ain't exactly my thing to have nail polish, fake eyelashes, earrings, nose rings, nipple ring or whatever ring, so a cap is probably the furthest I can go.
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During my recent trip to Taiwan, I stumbled upon this little shop at Raohe night market. Not only do they have lots of New Era caps, they also have some exclusives one that the shop owner - Mr. Ray designed himself.
Initially, it was more of a window shopping experience for me but Ray's service impressed me. He did not hardsell anything but all he did was to share with me some of his collection. He also measured my head. I usually buy snapbacks where the size is actually adjustable but he said something that made me realise my mistake all these while.
"Your shoe size doesn't change, that's why you buy a pair of shoe that fits right? So why buy a cap that is adjustable when the size of your head won't change?" Good point right? It's true. I always thought that fullback cap looks nicer especially if you like to put it on the other way round. For those who are a little confused, I hope that the picture below helps.
After talking to Ray, I found out that he is actually the 2nd generation owner. He took over this shop of 25 years from his father. Back in the day, the shop's name was actually "Shan Ge" which means "Silly Bro" which happens to be his dad's nick name.
This is one of the original notes from the previous shop. So cool to keep it right?
Anyhow, they also have a lot of famous regular customers. From Miss Taiwan, celebrities, to even professional baseballers. Yes, Taiwan professional sports leagues are actually quite popular. I totally wanted to buy their products but they're not really cheap.
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Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Supposed to be the signature of some famous person which I've no idea who after taking the pictures.
New Era caps are actually pretty pricey even as a fan but Ray gave me a good discount on the Supreme cap I bought. He said because we are fated and he gave me a discount and take it as an expression of friendship. We are now friends! COOL BEANS! But I also think he picks up chick with the same line all the time. This young man is smooth I'm telling you.
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See, we are like brothers. Just that he is a lot younger, skinnier, and better looking. ppffttt.
Anyway, if you are interested in getting a New Era Cap too but not sure what's real and what's not, hang on as I will be sharing some tips on how to identify original New Era Cap on another post! Yes, it's tips from Ray himself! So stay tuned!
Wife, "Eh, all those signatures belong to famous people ah?"