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In this edition of Collectors Corner, here on The Fitted Diaries, we feature a great collector and cap designer from Europe. Simon Treese, whom is perhaps better know by his alias "Hat Hunter 09", took some time to answer a few questions about his collection and the German cap culture.
TFD: Where are you from?
ST: I come from Eiweiler, Germany. It is a very small town near the French border.
TFD: What size fitted do you wear?
ST: Normally, I wear 7 1/2. Sometimes, due to materials, I wear 7 5/8.
TFD: What was your very first fitted?
ST: I am not sure because I bought my first one about 16 or 17 years ago. I think it was a Yankees fitted. Yankees fitteds are the most popular hats in Germany, I would guess. I have been collecting hats since I was a child, but I started specializing in New Era hats just about two or three years ago.
TFD: How large is your collection currently?
ST: I'm not quite sure, but I think I have around 105-110 fitteds at the moment. Due to pending orders I don't know the exact number.
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TFD: What is the fitted culture like in Germany?
ST: I think there are more people collecting and wearing snap-backs, but I also think there are a lot of fitted freaks in some of the bigger towns in Germany. I know some people who are as crazy as I am. I think they are all in the Capaddicts Facebook group.
TFD: You're the designer of the now renowned "Hat Hunter" cap that has been circulating the fitted community. What served as the inspiration for the unique design?
ST: I am always on the prowl for new fitteds. Therefore, I am wearing a trapper hat. I chose a stars and stripes outfit because I love the USA. I've visited the USA a few times. I am wearing a baseball glove (in the logo) because my favorite caps are usually MLB and MiLB fitteds.
TFD: Do you ever plan on working on another design?
ST: Not at the moment. I am considering making a second "Diamond Hat Hunter" version, though.
TFD: What is your favorite sport? do you have many fitteds from that sport?
ST: As a German, my favorite sport is soccer. I am a big Borussia Dortmund supporter. Unfortunately, there are not that many fitteds for soccer. I mostly collect MiLB and MLB hats, but also some from other sports like the NHL, the NBA, or the NFL.
TFD: What are your current "holy grail" pieces that you wish to add to your collection?
ST: The "'MERICA" 59Fifty released for the 4th of July last year, and the "I got 99 problems" fitted.
TFD: Where do you do the majority of your shopping for New Era Caps?
ST: Lids, New Era Europe, and New Era U.S. Sometimes hatland.com or myfitteds.com. I know very nice guys who always visit the New Era Flagship stores in Berlin and Toronto for me. Thanks to James and Norbert!
TFD: What is your favorite cap of all time?
ST: Of course my own designed "Hat Hunter" fitted, because it is my very own logo, and it is strictly limited. Thanks for all the guys who had the confidence to buy one from me.
TFD: If people want to find and follow you via social media where should they look?
ST: My Instagram is hathunter09. You can also find me on Facebook when you look for Simon Treese. I also have a Twitter account, but I don't use it often. Twitter is not very popular in Germany.
Thank you, Simon. Stay fitted, my friend.
-Matt Aballi
Twitter: @MattAballi
Instagram: matt_aballi
