Corteiz teams up with New Era to celebrate the history of grime through two iconic models: the 59FIFTY and the 9FORTY.
Corteiz never fails to surprise. While rumours point to a future collaboration with the Swoosh around the iconic Nike Shox, the London-based brand is taking a more cultural route this time. Corteiz teams up with New Era, the undisputed reference in headwear, for a collection deeply rooted in British culture. At the heart of the project: the 59FIFTY and 9FORTY, two iconic silhouettes from the American brand.
Recently spotted and quickly relayed by several key figures from the UK scene, the collection embraces a minimalist approach. Clean, stripped-back bases act as a canvas for an instantly recognisable symbol: the “Angry Eyes.” A motif that may appear simple at first glance, yet is rich in history and meaning—evoking an era and a cultural movement that left a lasting mark on the early-2000s grime scene.
Photo credits: @corteiz (Instagram)
With this Corteiz x New Era collection, Clint continues his narrative-driven approach, embodying the cultural heritage that has shaped Corteiz’s reputation. Each piece remains true to the brand’s DNA, once again blending storytelling and design to create items deeply anchored in the history of London’s creative scene.
A key symbol of East London
At the turn of the 2000s, as grime was still defining its visual codes, part of the London scene found its identity in an unexpected symbol: the logo of the Lake Elsinore Storm. Made up solely of two eyes and devoid of any traditional mascot, the visual embodied a raw form of rage—perfectly aligned with the energy of grime MCs at the time. Foundational figures such as Wiley and Dizzee Rascal played a major role in popularising this visual across London’s streets, to the point where it was long confused with the logo of motocross brand No Fear.
While the connection may have seemed arbitrary, it was actually rooted in a shared fascination with extreme aesthetics. The city of Lake Elsinore is known for high-adrenaline sports, and the baseball team’s logo was designed to convey that same intensity. Grime—music born from urban environments—naturally adopted the symbol as an identity marker. Twenty years later, Corteiz brings this forgotten connection back into the spotlight. In recent years, the “Storm Eyes” symbol has resurfaced thanks to influential artists like Skepta, as well as independent labels such as Peak Television, which have incorporated it into select designs.
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Photo credits: @corteiz (Instagram)
To support the launch, Clint enlisted members of today’s grime scene alongside artists from various creative backgrounds across London. A reminder that grime is not just a musical genre, but a constantly evolving cultural ecosystem. By partnering with New Era, Corteiz goes beyond revisiting a visual archive. The London brand legitimises a once-informal cultural appropriation and firmly embeds it within the streetwear landscape. The 59FIFTY and 9FORTY models become storytelling platforms, echoing the history and heritage of grime culture.
When is the release ?
The date is now set. The Corteiz x New Era collection will officially launch on Friday, February 27, via a limited drop on the Corteiz website. Staying true to his strategy, Clint is still keeping prices under wraps. Be quick—this one will move fast!
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