1. APPLEBUM x NEW ERA Danchi 59Fifty Fitted Baseball Cap

APPLEBUM really finished 2009 strong by sneaking this gem in before year’s end. It actually got me so surprised that I actually had to re-do this whole list… The Danchi 59Fifty fitted cap is a portrait of various Danchis (small, government subsidized apartments) across Tokyo encompassing the entirety of the cap. It shows the reality of urban decay yet the surreal colorings of the apartments offer a different type of beauty in it’s own right. A flawless victory for Applebum and a nice piece of art that many can appreciate for years to come.

2. FRANK 151 x NEW ERA Samoa 59Fifty Fitted Baseball Cap

FRANK 151 dropped this cap to match Issue #35 of Frank magazine and it did not disappoint. The Frank F is outlined with Brown shadow creating a strong presence however the real beauty in this cap can be found on the underbill with traditional Samoan patterns printed on giving the illusion of a tapa cloth. Easily one of Frank 151′s best pieces and a sure classic.

3. FITTED HAWAII x NEW ERA SF Warriors 59Fifty Fitted Baseball Cap

In typical FITTED HAWAII fashion, this San Francisco Warriors throwback fused the classic look with a modern twist. Fitted Hawaii opted to use a Navy base and Celery bill in lieu of the traditional Blue and Gold colors giving a recognizable yet eye-catching look. The cap is topped off with Green trimmings around the logo adding a tropical twist to an already solid piece. Easily the biggest exclusive I slept on this year.

4. NEW ERA MLB Illstic 2 59Fifty Fitted Baseball Caps

What more can I say? This piece combines two of my favorite materials together; ballistic nylon crowns with an ostrich print bill which gives a definite bulletproof look. One of the perfectly executed caps that New Era has released so far if I must say so.

5. THRASHER x NEW ERA Skate & Destroy 59Fifty Fitted Caps

THRASHER dropped these releases only in Japan but that didn’t stop skateboarders and collectors alike from invading the JDM market to get their hands on them. For the Skate & Destroy 59Fifty, simplicity is key and the iconic Thrasher logo in simple colors is all that needs to be said. The signature “Skate & Destroy” phrase is printed on the underbill showing that in a world of selling out, Thrasher keeps true to it’s roots; skateboarding.