WESTSIDE LOVE
We are all victims to ads on our social apps; whether it’s Instagram, Facebook for the newly hyped TikTok there are ads that try and capture our interest. Most of the time the marketing algorithm is way off, but that changed when Westside Love popped in the feed.
Being born and raised in the SF Bay Area (Vallejo); we are subject to growing up as fans of Jery Rice & the 49ers, Barry Bonds & the Giants, Rickey Henderson & the A’s, Tim Brown & the Raiders etc. You get the picture. The Bay Area let-alone the rest of Cali is full of sports teams and different cultures; not to mention at one time, my hometown of Vallejo was the most diverse city in the NATION!
Westside goes beyond sports though; it’s about unity, sharing a common love, and tying in some hip hop flare that helped raise most of us.
Westside’s backstory by Founder Jordan Stark:
The first incarnation of Westside Love was published in 2005 in the form of 50 pink on pink screen printed posters. Immediately, the artwork was having conversation with its roots in art, design, street, and American culture. Since then, it has evolved. The medium, look, and conversation has changed. For us, it’s not just a symbol, a cool hat, an ode to 90’s hip-hop, or even a flag for the west coast. It’s a reminder to love more, more often. To embrace the best of our common beliefs. To resist cynicism, and embrace the struggle of peace, and optimism. To be our best self as much as possible. Not just in our home and to those in it, but the lives and lands beyond it.
After browsing the Westside site there was 1 hat that I had have, which was black, orange, and off-white to pay reference to the Giants jerseys. It was something about the hint of off-white that did it for me. Sadly, at this time the hat was sold out so I made contact with Jordan to see if there would ever be a restock and he directed me to wait almost 6 months. I waited patiently and stayed in contact until the hat came out…Man was it worth the wait.
When I received the hat; there was a lot more packaged than what I ordered…these tees made there way into the box and they’re made of equal quality as the hat. Jordan is not skimping on quality when it comes to putting out a good product whether hat, apparel, or poster.
If you live in Cali…well especially if you live in Cali and got love for the left coast then you need to check out their site and grab yourself a fitted with colors that represent your favorite team. Padres, Angels, A’s, D….. well I can’t say that team lol. There’s lots to choose from! Heres the link: WESTSIDE HATS