While Gucci is deservedly given credit as the brand that made the black/red/green color combination famous (think of another color combination that is referred to as a proper noun–I’ll wait) I don’t find it a crime for the colorway to be used on items NOT manufactured by luxury goods brand so long as it’s done in a “tasteful” manner. The line between “inspiration” and “blatant rip” can be a thin one but when applied correctly it can be a thing of beauty. Besides, how can anyone STOP another company for using non-proprietary colors (I’m looking at you Louboutin)?

This brings me to the hat above: the “RARE GUCCI” colorway New Era fitted cap from Portland, Oregon based The Capital Brand. The cap in question is apart of the brand’s Winter 2011 collection and is a prime example of a product being inspired by, rather than trying to jack the swag of, another company. Although I guess by using the color combination in this particular manner (mostly black with red and green as accents) maybe an argument could be made that this, in fact, what they’re doing. Regardless, if you’re interested in purchasing this hat, you can do so by visiting their online store ($65).