American lifestyle brand New Era has just released a new collection, titled ‘Polynesia’, inspired by the islands and cultures of eastern Oceania.

Traditionally, each tribe within each culture had their own pattern, and almost everyone in ancient Polynesian communities would be tattooed to showcase their rank in their culture, as well as their personal details like family heritage. These tattoos were monochrome, with geometric patterns of different shapes and sometimes pictographic art. The new collection is New Era’s tribute to the distinctive Polynesian tattoos and the brand’s commitment to valuing cultural diversity.

The collection has a strong black-and-white palette, and includes four popular headwear silhouettes plus two apparel styles. The iconic 59FIFTY fitted baseball cap sees the New York Yankees’ logo at the front embroidered with a tattoo-graphic, while a printed pattern can be found on the inner panels. The 9FIFTY snapback and the BUCKET hat feature printed upper visors in tattoo artwork. The 9FORTY adjustable cap is for those who favour a full blown style, with unique tattoo-graphic printed all over the crown and top visor. The cotton T-shirt and long-sleeve top both come in black and white, and feature the tattoo-graphic motif merged with either New Era’s “NE” logo, or the New York Yankees logo.