For almost a decade, Jun Takahashi has worked with Nike on the running-focused Gyakusou line, which takes inspiration from his own sporting interest and probes the interplay of fluid movement, fixed environment and the meditative value of running. Beginning this summer, Takahashi extends his relationship with Nike by way of a formal collaboration with his brand, UNDERCOVER.
“With Nike, we are able to explore technical materials and fabrications that allow for new investigations of UNDERCOVER's design principles,” says Takahashi.
With the debut of Nike x UNDERCOVER, Takahashi challenges two things: static volume and utility norms.
Each of the four garments in the collection allows for adjustments to fit via Velcro tabs. For example, the long-sleeve top can be modified for width, while the T-shirt allows for fine-tuning of the arm holes. This creates opportunities to personalize drape and scale, alternately loose and oversized or streamlined.
Takahashi’s bold approach to carrying personal essentials gives each garment a distinct functional value. Most radically, the hood of the tracksuit functions as a pocket and the body has zippered mesh pockets at the back to complement the more traditional kangaroo front pocket. The tracksuit’s trouser has both cargo pockets and a zippered mesh pouch at the rear. Both long-sleeve top and T-shirt also incorporate mesh.
Subtle “CHAOS BALANCE” text, a longstanding UNDERCOVER motif, embellish each garment and signify the brand’s philosophy of marrying raw energy and technical expertise.
Debuted during UNDERCOVERS's spring/summer 2019 Paris runway show, Takashi's examination of the Nike Daybreak completes the assortment. The shoe will release in seven colorways.
Global release of the inaugural Nike x UNDERCOVER collection begins June 7.
