As renovations are underway on FUTURA LABORATORIES flagship in Japan, news of another collaboration surfaced just in time for the store’s reopening. The label is teaming up with DESCENTE on a pair of exclusive outerwears utilizing the H.C.S. Down Vest and the Airytransfer Jacket as base designs. Jet black exterior with a tonal FUTURA signature on the left chest, a strikingly colorful artwork by FUTURA unveils itself when you unzip the special edition H.C.S. Down Vest. On the other hand, the Airytransfer jacket is a simple fare of all black exterior and interior. Its 4 way stretch functionality optimizes movements for action sports and outdoor activities. Furthermore, there is a air pump situated on the hood’s side that inflates it according to fit. Both items set for release at the retail store on Friday, September 9th in conjunction with the re-opening and on their online shop.
FUTURA LABORATORIES
1-2-52 Daimyo | Map
Dice & Dice Building Floor 2
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka Japan
TEL #: 092-715-6680
Release Date: September 9th, 2011 (Friday)
Two weeks ago, it was all about Fashion Week’s haute couture and the basketball hoopla of All Star Weekend. This week, the shoe focus was on off-court models, and fashion came back to street level: we saw lookbook updates and videos from some of the main players in streetwear: Mischka, Stussy, 10.Deep, and Kangol. The Kangol video featured a windswept Montauk break, and as Saturdays Surf NYC announced a bag done by Porter, New York surfing was itself a minor theme. Stussy, for their part, didn’t stop with the lookbook video; the venerable label also announced two collaborations: First, a capsule done with Melbourne-based Perks and Mini (with a lookbook by Peter Sutherland, and featuring Ari Marcopolous, Julia Chiang, Keegan Mchargue and Clara Cullen). Stussy also lent a hand to Timberland, to produce a phenomenal leather loafer. One very casual sneaker that has managed to serve as a springboard for a lauded Italian couturier got a refresh this week too, with the announcement of the third round of collaboration between Missoni and Converse. Nike pleased some fans of classic athletic sneakers this week, with the release of the Hachi, which is both brand new and old at the same time. We got more behind-the-scenes New Balance footage this week, after SNS went to Flimby to create a short film about the famous factory. No recap of this week would be complete without touching on the biannual event that is the release of a new Supreme collection; while the KAWS box logo T-shirt was probably the only thing making fans crazy, the devoted were, of course, still camped out on Lafayette. Supreme also began the Lada Gaga promo at the street level this week too, as posters from the Terry Richardson shoot started showing up around Soho. Streetwear news came from Asia this week too: we got a look at the capsule collection of Bape x Original Fake apparel, which accompanies the Baby Milo x KAWS figure; we also saw the new collection from Futura x Descente, again strong in technical details and functionality. Capping things off, Apple made a few announcements this week too, and chief among them was about it’s contender in the tablet wars. See all the details of the week’s stories after the jump.
The Spring/Summer 2011 collection from FUTURA LABORATORIES and Descente promises to deliver the high quality pieces as always. This collection is highlighted by the original Pointman Camouflage pattern that can be seen on majority of the items. Even though this collection is primarily targeted at the street scene, serious athletes would benefit from the features integrated into each product. Stand out feature includes the lightweight Airy Transfer material which is capable of stretching in 360 degrees. Airy Transfer materials are used on Pointman Camo Hooded Wind Jacket and Pointman Camo Airy Transfer Shorts, resulting in maximum flexibility. Other items are decorated by signature FUTURA handwriting style fonts and Atomic Rings as key accents. All of the items are planned for early March release and Kinetics are taking pre-orders at the moment.
When FUTURA was a messenger back in the day he would don on his Descente gear when riding on his bicycle to fight the elements. And most recently the two brands, FUTURA LABORATORIES and Descente have worked on various collections almost at least once a year. The Fall/Winter 2010 collection from the pair is nothing short of high quality as one would expect. This collection features custom designed urban camouflage with pointman illustrations over it. From Hooded Wind Jacket to Recover Leggings, Airy Transfer Shorts to shirts, the line consists of sporty items that can be worn for exercising or for a night out. All of these items are scheduled to drop around early March 2011, however online store STLESS is currently taking pre-orders.
A new design from FUTURA LABORATORIES and Descente will drop some time this month. Photostream H.C.S. Down Jacket is the name of the jacket and it is a hi tech down jacket utilizing H.C.S. Down system that captures heat inside the jacket and prevents warmth from escaping. Another key feature is that it is thinner than usual down material and it is made with stretchable material allowing for more movement.
As far as the design is concerned, it is jet black on the exterior with FL and Descente logos and diagonal water resistant zippers. Face mask is integrated in the hood to protect the face from cold winds and cuffs are wind proofed using extra thick elastic. FUTURA fans would be able to stare at the inner lining for hours as it is made with numerous photos taken by FUTURA. Lastly there are shoulder straps integrated on the inside of the jacket which allows for the jacket to be carried on the shoulders like a back pack when not needed.
FUTURA LABORATORIES and Descente are back again for the 2010 Fall/Winter season, and the newest item to drop from the duo are couple of t-shirts. Both t-shirts are constructed with quick-dry material that not only dries quickly, but is also highly breathable. These qualities would be perfect for people who take part in active sports. What might be more impressive is that each t-shirt is accompanied by a serial number on the front. Both t-shirts features the Atomic Ring logo and the double brand logo. The Half Sleeve T-Shirt in particular features photos from FUTURA‘s Flickr, FUTURADOSMIL, and combines it to create a collage effect.
The Spray Can Wizard and FUTURA LABORATORIES is teaming up with DESCENTE on yet another item with cycling in mind. However this time, it is a Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey would make cyclists happy. It combines the hi technology of DESCENTE and artistic vision of FUTURA in one. A two toned jersey is separated in the middle on the front and rear that give a totally different view from left or right.
On the right sleeve is the Spray Can Wizard tagging by FUTURA and the left side of the jersey is decorated by abstract graphics. The most importantly there are pockets at the rear bottom portion and reflective logos all around. Cuffs also include a thumb loop that ensures perfect fitting and help to retain warmth. Three colors are produced in navy, black and olive with contrasting paneling. These are available at FUTURA LABORATORIES online shop.
The relationship between FUTURA and DESCENTE started while he was still a bicycle messenger where FUTURA would wear the gear on the road. Since then many years have passed and various collaboration projects have come and gone.
Latest item from the FUTURA LABORATORIES and DESCENTE is another Packable Jacket once again clad with abstract design from FUTURA on the exterior. Produced in black or olive tones accented by silver or black prints. Front zip portion is detailed with reflective piping along with shoulder logos in reflective prints as well. Chest pocket on the inside reveal a small pouch style compartment that can store the whole jacket into a portable waist bag. Currently the jackets are available at FUTURA LABORATORIES online store.
After many successful collaborations FUTURA LABORATORIES (FL) and DESCENTE is back again this season with this Mizusawa Down Jacket. The biggest common weakness for down jacket is water resistance but this down jacket has been constructed to withstand water by using the least amount of stitches on the exterior, seam tape on the inside and special adhesive system.
The result is a hi tech down jacket that keeps water out while maintaining warmth with the use of Diaplex fabric. This fabric evenly distributes heat through out the jacket with the molecules in the fabric extending or contracting depending on the temperature. Hence if the wearer is too hot then it extends to allow heat to escape and inversely if the wearer is too cold then it will contract to retain heat inside the jacket. There are also additional ventilation zippers to control the temperature as well as making it easier to fold up for carrying and storage. Via: Stless
The best way to describe FOUR(4)ABLE Collection of outerwear from FUTURA LABORATORIES (FL) x DESCENTE is that it transform, quite literally. Since its introduction 2 years ago, the collection been well-received by avid outdoor enthusiasts to everyday urbanites. All appreciate the fact that outerwear is so versatile, with the ability to meet almost every conditions, even those unexpected ones. Constructed around 4 guiding principles, or in this case, 4 “ables”: Detachable, Packable, Comfortable, & Imaginable. Each is apparent in the design.
- Detachable – The versatile outerwear comes with detachable sleeves, a seamless transformation into a light weight vest.
- Packable – By folding the jacket into one of its sleeves, it becomes a tubular-shape pack
- Comfortable – The shell is a waterproof yet breathable membrane. An additional inner hood to provide insulated coverage around the head
- Imaginable – A specially designed graphic by FUTURA, features his “atomic” tag and Pointman character, all superimposed on a digitally printed, dot camouflage.
For Fall 2009, the duo will introduce a range of patterns and graphics. Similar to the Spring/Summer 2009 Collection, the new season will focus on traditional patterns, including Glen Plaid. The printed graphics are then intersected with FUTURA’s signature caricature, Pointman, throughout the jacket’s front. Available in 2 colorways of purple or black, the FUTURA LABORATORIES x DESCENTE – FOUR(4)ABLE Mountain Parka Jacket in Pointman Glen Plaid is available at selected FL retailers and STLESS on ZOZOTOWN shopping network.
> STLESS [ZOZO]
Following the success of the previous collaboration series, the third project between FUTURA LABORATORIES and Descente has surfaced. This particular Airy Transfer Jacket is a special limited colorway produced for online retailer Stless. The key feature of this jacket is the 4 way stretch fabric which reduces strain on the wearer as the fabric stretches evenly in all direction unlike conventional fabrics. Another stand out feature of this jacket is the inner lining which acts to stop wind from getting through the jacket at the same time keeping warmth within. The light blue jacket is constructed with 100% polyester that is printed with the FUTURA’s famous artwork. Scheduled to be released on early November, Stless is currently taking pre orders until later this month.
The last item of the FUTURA LABORATORIES x DESCENT collaboration is the Windstopper Straight Denim which also has various neat features. With 100% cotton body made of Windstopper Membrane, it is high in windproofing as well as sustaining warmth. Also the denim has been treated to be water resistant for the benefit of active users. Features such as zipped side ventilation and double back pockets add to the denim’s functionality. The inner right leg has been screen printed with FUTURA 2000, for when a rider is cycling, the prints will show on rolled leg only. This item will be available around late April and pre orders can be made through Stless.
> Stless [ZOZO]
> FUTURA LABORATORIES
> DESCENTE
More photos after the jump…
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