New Era" is a brand that has become a standard in the cap world.

I don't mean to jump in here, but what kind of image do you have of the "New Era" brand?

KobayashiI think of New Era as the mainstream of caps, just like Alden for leather shoes or Levi's® for denim. So, when I am looking for something new to wear, I always start with New Era items.

Do you usually wear hats?

Kobayashi. Yes, I think I wear a hat more than 300 days out of 365. And I wear New Era caps by far the most. They are indispensable for creating a style that is uniquely my own.

What role do caps play in your everyday coordination?

Kobayashi. I like to casually incorporate items from maison brands somewhere, whether it is in my work styling or in my daily attire. I often wear a tie with a shirt over a traditional set-up, and a cap from "New Era" takes away the stiffness of the outfit and neutralizes the mode feeling. Simply put, the cap serves as a "diversion" to the coordinated look.

. it's a unique way to match it with a traditional set-up style. . At first glance, they seem like conflicting items.

Kobayashi. I also match them with jackets and similar outfits. New Era is an American brand, so it goes well with traditional items. I also like the fact that the overall silhouette and the length of the brim vary depending on the model. Since many different variations are released, consumers can choose a cap according to their coordination, which is a great point for consumers.

How many New Era items do you own?

Kobayashi. I have more than I can count. . in a wide variety of models. The first one I ever bought was a 59FIFTY®, a navy Yankee, I think. When I first put it on, it didn't feel quite right, but I kept wearing it, believing that it was a cool item, and my eyes got used to it (laughs). Once that happened, the rest was up to me. (Laughs) Once that happened, I was able to get used to it. I was able to try out different styles, and I was able to incorporate "New Era" into my own style as I went along.

You can have as many as you want , "9FORTY™".

How do you like the 9FORTY™ you are wearing today?

Kobayashi. it's comfortable to wear, this one. . The fit is just right, not too shallow and not too deep. Not only is it comfortable to wear, but it also gives a nice shape to the head. If I were to compare it to pants, it would be like easy pants with a beautiful silhouette (laughs). (Laughs) . It is easy to wear and has a beautiful silhouette.

It is truly a two birds with one stone item.

Kobayashi. Yes, that's right. Also, I have a small head, and I always worry about wrinkling the cap when I tighten the adjuster, but I don't have to worry about that with "9FORTY™," so I personally like it. The silhouette from the front and from the side is well balanced and beautiful, so it's perfect.

The silhouette is indeed beautiful when viewed from any direction in 360 degrees.

Kobayashi. Also, I think that the wide variety of designs is one of the charms of this item. In addition to the Red Sox cap I am wearing now, there are many other designs, such as the blue Dodgers cap, the black Raiders cap, and so on. Just as a fashionable person has a different handkerchief every day, I think it's okay to easily change caps depending on your mood. Moreover, this item is reasonably priced, right?

The price is 3,600 yen without tax.

Kobayashi.: insanely affordable. This is a great way to add to your collection, one piece a week.

It's also cool to see New Era items neatly displayed in a room.

Kobayashi. you'll want to hang it on the wall (laughs). Actually, I have a space where I can hang two caps at the entrance of my house, and I use it to hang my caps. . I put them on when I leave the house and go out. In other words, I hang the best of the many caps in my lineup there (laughs). (Laughs.) After a week of wearing it, I take care of it, and during that time, I pull out other items and register them in my army. I recommend enjoying this kind of rotation.

Lastly, could you tell us how to coordinate "9FORTY™" in your own way?

Kobayashi. I personally recommend using it as a disguise for a dressy style. In fact, I once suggested a similar coordination in a mook book by "New Era". At that time, I styled it with a navy tuxedo jacket, denim shirt, and a New Era cap on top. I think it is a chemical reaction between dress and street style, and I personally find such a style comfortable to look at.

I think it requires a very high level of skill, but do you have any tips for creating such a style?

Kobayashi. After all, it is nonsense to wear a cap with a business suit. . The secret is to choose an item that has casual elements in its silhouette and material, such as a casual set-up or a flannel suit. . You can also wear a chambray, oxford, or checked shirt inside. A knit tie or bow tie would be a good addition or subtraction to get the right look. Please give it a try.