In my line of work, product reigns above all else. Each day provides a cyber overload on the latest and greatest in the world of fashion, art and culture. My passion lies in this industry, without a shadow of a doubt, but there’s only so much reporting one can do before the urge of taking action comes into play. A few months back I was given an opportunity to design a custom New Era cap. Initially it was meant to be just a personal project, but how much fun is it to make an item you’re proud of and not be able to share it with others? My goal was to create something “bigger” than just a hat, I wanted to produce something I could look back on and be proud of.
My inspiration for this concept was the 1989 World Series between the Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giants, more specifically the split cap that was produced during that time. I was a toddler when it all went down, so I don’t remember much. The major events at that time however were something I used to always hear about, especially the Loma Prieta Earthquake which struck during the third game of the series. Countless childhood memories lie in that wacky cap. Its something that brings me back to my childhood and a constant reminder of my youth and how my folks were always around, no matter how many financial troubles they suffered through or how much the proper grasp of the English language brought them daily difficulties. They were always there to support. Always there to put food on the table. Always there to guide me with good principles and kindness. This cap is a symbol of that and a wee bit more. To me it symbolizes unity. Not because it gives props to the cross town rivals, but because it ties back to everything that’s meant something in my past and moving forward into the future.
The Battle of the Bay Charity Project is an initiative that carries that spirit and builds on it from a perspective I know all too well, clothing. It allows me to connect my message via product and turn that into a way of give back to the community, to kids less fortunate that may not have had the childhood I did. Who may have never received a present on Christmas or had parents to share random stories with.
Together with seven great companies I’ve been able to put together a total of 18 different goodie bags for the holidays, each up for an online raffle. The more $5 donations you make, the more of a chance you have to win one of these great mounds of gear. Our goal is to be able to raise as many donations as possible, of course. All of the proceeds from your support will then be rounded up and used entirely to purchase toys and everyday essentials for the Children’s Hospital of Oakland.
The Battle of the Bay Charity Project is about having fun, instilling hometown pride and above all, helping those in need. Enjoy life and be grateful for all that you have, rather than dwelling on what you don’t.
DONATING IS NOW CLOSED.
VIEW THE ENTIRE LINEUP HERE.
Although I would have loved to make an exact replica of the original, legal issues would not allow it. So I chose to go with the Giants, yet still retain some of the OG details, including the light green under bill and split dome, along with a back devoid of the batterman logo. New touches include contrasting eyelets to match each color, clear threading and the addition of a deadstock vintage pin from 1989.
My friend Tom over at Mister has been handmaking these bracelets and pins for a bit and I asked him to let me develop a colorway for the project. He gave me free reign with a variety of colors and textures. Ultimately I went with a classic wooden bead, inspired by a good ole Louisville, along with matte black beads to add some contrast. I didn’t want anything overly colorful but still wanted it to fit the whole theme of the project. For the clasps we decided to use a gold color, which celebrates the Giants’ 2010 World Series crown and also matches up with the vintage pin on the cap. In addition, we made a pin that coordinates with the bracelets as well. For those interested, a small amount of these have been made available for purchase here.
THE GRAND
Includes: New Era 5950, Mister All-Black Varsity Jacket (Made in USA), Upper Playground “San Franfuckincisco” Hoody, HUF 3-Stripe Crewneck Sweater, HUF Ribbed Beanie, Benny Gold Logo Script T-Shirt, The BKc Harris Tweed Scarf, New Era 6-Pack Cap Carrier, HUF Tube Socks, Upper Playground Jeremy Fish Glass, L. Ruano x Mister Bracelet & Pin Set and New Balance x Crooked Tongues M1500 (Black) courtesy of Shoe Biz.
THE FTC (3 will be awarded)
Includes: FTC “For the City” Cruiser Deck, FTC “For the City” T-shirt, Stickers and New Era 5950
THE NEW ERA (3 will be awarded)
Includes: New Era by You Gift Card
THE HUF (2 will be awarded)
Includes: HUF 3-Stripe Crewneck Sweater, HUF Tube Socks, HUF Ribbed Beanie & Pin Set
THE SF (2 will be awarded)
Includes: Upper Playground “San Franfuckincisco” Hoody, Benny Gold Logo Script T-Shirt, Benny Gold Glider Pin, FTC “I remEMBer” Beanie and Stickers
THE GROWN MAN (2 will be awarded)
Includes: The BKc Harris Tweed Scarf and L. Ruano x Mister Bracelet & Pin Set
THE NEW BALANCE (2 will be awarded)
Includes: New Balance x Crooked Tongues M1500 (White) courtesy of Shoe Biz and New Era 5950
THE 5950 (2 will be awarded)
Includes: New Era 5950 and New Era 6-Pack Cap Carrier
THE MR (1 will be awarded)
Includes: Mister All-Black Varsity Jacket (Made in USA) and L. Ruano x Mister Bracelet & Pin Set
A big thank you goes out to all of the participants, brands and assistants that made this project a reality, including: Daryl Yick, Katherine Kulczyk, Benny Gold, Cody Koester, Keith Hufnagel, Gabe Garcia, Mehran Esmaili, Tom Do, Nisan Perera, Ando Nesia, Graham Jeong and Kent Uyehara.
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Check out what others are saying...[...] Raffle tickets will be sold for , ending on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. PST. Full details of the project including rules can be seen here. [...]
[...] Full details of the project including donations can be found here. [...]
[...] finale on Wednesday, Dec 21 during 12 p.m. PST. Full sum of a plan including manners can be seen here. Be certain to yield hat, shirt and shoe distance during a Paypal concession [...]
[...] The Battle of the Bay Charity Project is an amazing concept curated by Hypebeast Senior Editor Luis Ruano and the Children’s Hospital of Oakland. Realizing that the holiday season is tough for some families, Luis put together eighteen gift bags containing a specially designed New Era 5950 cap along with products from Mister, New Balance, The Hundreds, HUF, Upper Playground, Benny Gold, FTC, Shoe Biz and The Brooklyn Circus. [...]
[...] on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. PST. Full details of the project including rules can be seen here. Be sure to provide hat, shirt and shoe size at the Paypal donation [...]
[...] on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. PST. Full details of the project including rules can be seen here. Be sure to provide hat, shirt and shoe size at the Paypal donation [...]
[...] for updates on this topic.Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginHUF is proud to be a part of the Battle of the Bay Charity Project. Get involved to help those in need and for your chance to win some great prizes, including [...]
[...] Benny Gold brand and myself are proud to be a part of the Battle of the Bay Charity Project. Our friend and colleague Luis Ruano put together a charity auction to give back this holiday [...]
[...] by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginThe Benny Gold brand and myself are proud to be a part of the Battle of the Bay Charity Project. Our friend and colleague Luis Ruano put together a charity auction to give back this holiday [...]
[...] fellow Bay Area creative, Luis Ruano, has a great charity program going on for the holidays. The Battle of the Bay Charity Project obviously hits home with me for many different reasons. Working in the same field, I see how [...]
[...] on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. PST. Full details of the project including rules can be seen here. Be sure to provide hat, shirt and shoe size at the PayPal donation [...]
[...] on Wednesday, December 21 at 12 p.m. PST. Full details of the project including rules can be seen here. Be sure to provide hat, shirt and shoe size at the PayPal donation [...]
[...] slew of gift packs – some containing a special Luis Ruano-designed New Era 5950 cap – will be raffled off. A staggering 18 packs have been created thanks [...]
[...] slew of gift packs – some containing a special Luis Ruano-designed New Era 5950 cap – will be raffled off. A staggering 18 packs have been created thanks [...]
[...] thanks to Luis Ruano! For the prize pack but more importantly for giving back with the charity project. We need more [...]