BE-CAUSE THEY LIKE IT

Brad Pitt loves Angie, show business and hats. And to prove his commitment to all three he started a charity called Make It Right. The purpose of this philanthropic gesture is to raise money to build homes for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward.

In case you haven’t noticed Pitt always wears a hat or cap – and has been seen around town (New Orleans) with his signature newsboy cap on a lot. It has caused such a fashion stir that the fashion editor from The Times-Picayune in New Orleans called Hat Life (me specifically) to talk about the popularity of the cap (article below).

Pitt is not only wearing caps (his cap is called the Caputo Cap in Star Magazine) but he is selling them on his charity site makeitrightnola.org. Proceeds from hats and bags are donated to the cause of completing 150 new homes for those displaced. (Doing good is becoming equally as important as being good in today’s society – Pitt and Bono are proof…ok Oprah as well).

There is something else you should know. According to a survey conducted by American Marketing Association one of three consumers said they would be more inclined to buy a product or service if they knew part of the price was being donated directly to a cause or campaign.

They also found that young people - aged 18 to 24 and women - were more likely to buy a product or service connected to cause-related marketing.

That may account for the reason that Pitt’s hats and bag are sold out. I’m not saying you have to build houses to make a name for your company, but it helps to think of the big picture when doing business. Whole Foods rakes in big bucks selling organic grapefruits and fresh water salmon - but they rack up extra humility points with consumers by giving free lectures and lending their community room to anyone with a story to tell.

What I am trying to say is that consumers’ want you to make nice – on second thought – everyone wants you to make nice. Why else would all the presidential candidates be smiling so much?

HATS SOLD ON MAKEITRIGHTNOLA.ORG

MIR Low Profile Cap
This pigment dyed cap is 100% cotton with embroidered MIR logo on the front with MIR web site on the back. It has a low profile with six eyelets, pre-curved bill and adjustable strap with brass buckle. One size fits most.

MIR Low Profile Cap Price: $20

MIR Caputo Cap, Black Herringbone
This Ivy-style, wool blend cap has two front snaps on its brim, custom satin printed inner lining and the Make It Right logo printed on the inside lining. Ribbon sweatband with soft elastic back allows for adjustable fit.

MIR Caputo Cap Price: $30

MIR Caputo Cap, Black Plaid