Charismatic, flamboyant, comic genius: these words could easily be filed next to the name Harold Hunter. A professional skateboarder as famous for a larger-than-life demeanour as his prowess on a board, Harold first found mainstream notoriety when he featured in the controversial 1995 movie Kids. Acting and skating continued to be an outlet for Harold’s creativity over the course of his career, but Harold’s insatiable thirst for, well, everything -- from helping underprivileged kids to partying with celebs like Paris Hilton, modelling for companies like Tommy Hilfiger or running his own small company, Rock Star Bearings Co.-- meant he was never far from the limelight or a good time. Harold was tragically found dead in his Lower Eastside New York apartment February 2006 after an apparent overdose. He was just 31 years old.
Harold’s outgoing character left an indelible print on the skateboarding world an beyond, and while it’s often said a person is gone yet not forgotten not many people invoke the response Harold did. Charity auctions, websites, magazine features; the tributes roll on, and the New York skating scene that Harold held so dear got another chance to honour it’s fallen star earlier this month, nine months after his passing. It was windy on day in the big apple, but nothing could stop the well-wishers from turning out in force for the first memorial Skate For Harold Hunter Day at the new Chinatown skatepark under New York’s Manhattan Bridge, Oct 7.
“Harold was a son to our brand and an ambassador to NYC and skateboarding as a whole. His charismatic ‘Harold’ antics helped him transcend the skateboarding world and gain a significant global following,” said Zoo York Creative Director Mark Nardelli. Zoo York was Harold’s long time sponsor, who together with the New Era Cap company launched two noteworthy projects in celebration of the unique life and times of Harold this October – the skate day itself and a limited edition cap. “Harold was, and always will be, the epitome of New York. He’s greatly missed, and we view these projects as an excellent way to not only pay our respects to a legend, but also keep his spirit strong for years to come.”
Ironically, what ended up as a fitting tribute to Harold was not intended as such from the start. Roughly six months prior to Harold’s untimely death, Zoo York, New Era and Harold began work on his signature 59FIFTY cap – part of New Era’s renowned Capture The Flag program where elite artists, musicians, athletes and business moguls design their own limited-edition piece with all proceeds donated to charity. A short list of handpicked celebrities like Spike Lee, Jake Burton, Roger Clemens, and The Game, had already signed on, so being recognized alongside such an impressive roster of global superstars was a huge honour for Harold, but nothing outside his realm.
“Harold was an extraordinary personality on par with the other icons we’ve teamed up with to date,” said New Era Marketing Manager Braden Dahl. “From his skating and acting career to his eccentric demeanour, Harold was New York and New York was Harold.”
“Harold put a ton of time and effort into designing his signature cap,” continued Dahl. “He was so proud of what he’d created that, after he passed, we knew we absolutely had to finish what he’d started. Zoo York’s Mark Nardelli, New Era’s Michael Raychel, designer Greg Lucci, and Harold’s family were all instrumental in the success of this project which not only honours his memory, but also allows him to leave a lasting mark on the skateboarding world and beyond.”
288 caps that will sell for a cool $125 will be launched this month, and there will be no doubt a to who designed them! Highlights include a posh black-on-black cashmere shell and visor, embossed Old English “HH” logo with faux diamond studs (a throw-back to one of Harold’s early Zoo graphics), silver pinstripe front panels, Harold quote embroidered on the interior band, argyle “HH/NY” embroidery under the brim, and “cab yellow” satin lining with a map of Harold’s favourite NYC skate spots packaged in a satin-lined box. Yep, she be one pimpin’ cap!
But aside for Harold’s cap project finally coming to pass, to commemorate a life exceptionally well lived, the first-annual “Harold Hunter Day” with a “Skate for H Jam” under the Manhattan Bridge with music provided by legendary DJ’s Premier and Evil Dee went down before revellers hit Brooklyn for the premiere of R.B. Umali’s new film about Harold entitled “Legends Never Die.”
All proceeds from the inaugural “Harold Hunter Day” and the sale of Harold’s New Era 59FIFTY cap will be donated to Stoked Mentoring – a New York-based charitable organization close to Harold’s heart that utilizes action sports to positively impact the lives of at-risk inner-city youths.
“Harold was New York and his spirit will always be New York,” concludes Nardelli. “He wanted this project to unite his crew and give back to the city he loved so much, and we are following through to ensure that happens.”