When the collaboration between UNDERCOVER and UNIQLO was first announced back in July 2011, it was rumored to be a special project that would be sold exclusively at UNIQLO Ginza flagship store in Tokyo. However, with their official launch announced today, it is apparent that the UU Collection will in fact be hitting the shelves of UNIQLO stores around the world. The launch will occur simultaneously in 11 countries on Friday, March 16th 2012, so make sure the date is marked on your calender. For the time being, UNIQLO have released the lookbook on their UU micro-site, showcasing family oriented activities and clothing which is the focus of the capsule collection. Stay tuned for more information and check out the lookbook after the jump.
Japanese menswear magazine SPADE is a relatively new magazine, published by the same company that makes EYESCREAM magazine. To commemorate their second issue, SPADE teamed up with TAKAHIROMIYASHITATheSoloIst and UNDERCOVER for a collaboration. As the main feature of the issue is on Takahiro Miyashita and his brand, a special capsule collection was produced. UNDERCOVER was also invited due to Jun Takahashi being a good friend of Miyashita, as evidenced in the recent openstrings video from UNDERCOVER where Miyashita was invited to play in the video.
The collection uses 14 white garments as blank canvases, printing monochromatic photos on top of it. These rare photos of Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love were taken by acclaimed Japanese photographer Kenji Kubo. Apart from the capsule collection, there is one t-shirt made for SPADE and one t-shirt made in conjunction with UNDERCOVER. The total of 16 pieces are currently available as pre-order at EYESCREAM online shop and the delivery is scheduled for late April to May.
UNDERCOVER is starting to exploring the visual realm in a completely different way in their latest promotional video for the forthcoming Spring/Summer 2012 collection. A video lookbook if you will, the openstrings collection is showcased in an almost runway-like fashion. In the background, a two piece band plays eclectic tunes through their electric guitars, while models take their position on the revolving stage. This method works perfectly to highlight the collection, as each style needs to be viewed from front and back to be fully appreciated. Many of the pieces are created to form an illusion of a complete layered style, yet from the back it is apparent that all of the layers are actually sewn together as one garment.
Apart from showing the collection, Jun Takahashi invited the legendary Japanese rock singer and actor Yuya Uchida for the introduction of this video. Uchida expresses hardship Japan is still facing today even after almost a year since the devastation from the earthquakes, tunamis and nuclear meltdown. The video can be seen in full after the jump.
With its release date looming, some Japanese retailers have already sold out of UNDERCOVER x Nike Zoom Tennis Classic via pre-release reservations. Additionally to a large perforated “Swoosh” splash across the upper, the collection, also dubbed as the “Teddy Bear” pack, features the censored teddy bear icon penned by UNDERCOVER‘s creative director Jun Takahashi. In black, white, and grey, this limited collaboration will be available at select retail doors in Japan tomorrow, like KI:n%Hz of Sapporo.
KI:n%Hz
1 Minami 3 Johigashi | Map
Chou-ku, Sapporo Japan
In a recent preview for his assemble “a.k.a. AFFA” capsule collection, set to launch tomorrow at UNDERCOVER retail locations across Japan. Designer Jun Takahashi also revealed a little known project, his rendition of the Nike Zoom Tennis Classic. In muted color tones of grey with black accents, black with grey accents, and white with red highlights, each received a perforated Nike Swoosh branding along with the very distinguishable UNDERCOVER emblem at the heel – the censored teddy bear. All three are set for release on Saturday, December 17th.
Release Date: December 17th, 2011 (Saturday)
Jun Takahashi tackles one of the classic military jacket silhouettes, MA-1, and reinvents it by injecting his signature style. The sleeves have been replaced by a dual material sleeve made up of soft leather and wool knit in a navy tone, matching the color of the body. The most innovative detail, however, is the infinite zipper that wraps around the whole neck line, creating a distinct aesthetic. Two external pockets and internal pockets ensure plenty of storage space, and there is a small pocket on the upper chest that can fit cell phones and other electronic gadgets. Visit Firmament in Berlin to acquire this jacket or check your local UNDERCOVER stockists.
UNDERCOVER showcased the Spring/Summer 2012 collection of its men’s line, UNDERCOVERISM, recently. The collection is entitled openstrings, where Jun Takahashi aims to capture the current fashion styles in his unique manner. Although the collection looks fairly ordinary compared to the usual mayhem created by UNDERCOVER, it does come with a simple design concept that creates an illusion. From the front, the layered tops and jackets seem to be separate pieces, however, the layers are in fact sewn onto each other. The result is a combination of complex styling compiled off the shelf. Click after the jump to preview the whole collection. via: Fashionsnap
Jun Takahashi took the popular pea coat design and rearranged it with a twist. The H4306-01 Pea Coat by UNDERCOVERISM is a hybrid of the military-style jacket and leather jacket. The bottom quarter of the jacket is separated in a cow hide section, whilst the rest of the jacket is made from 100% wool material. Apart from the Gray/Black version, Camel and Black styles feature color-coded materials throughout. Two hand warmer pockets are located in the middle and two horizontal zipped pockets can be found near the waist. Quilted lining offers additional warmth and a large collar protects the wearer from cold winds. All of the jackets are in stock at UNDERCOVER dealers worldwide and on the UNDERCOVER online shop on ZOZOVILLA.
The latest runners from the Gyakusou Autumn/Winter 2011 collection are finally available now for purchasing. UNDERCOVER revamped the Nike Lunarspider model under the guidance of Jun Takahashi. Unlikely color combination separates these sneakers from general releases, yet these work in harmony with the rest of the pieces from this season. Ultra light uppers are constructed from Flywire and mesh materials, matched with contrasting shoe laces. Nike+ technology is also integrated inside the inner soles to monitor and assist while running. Both of these sneakers are currently in stock at end clothing in UK and select accounts around the globe.
End Clothing
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Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 1EN, England
Hardcore UNDERCOVER fans would have already checked out the latest UNDERCOVER website when it launched last Saturday. Just as their designs are unlike staple fashion brands out there, their website is very much an unique design which goes against convention. After logging into the site with a secret password, viewers are led to a page with floating menu panels. Its most interesting element is the background, which is randomized and most of the contents of the website can be moved around on the site. The men’s collection page and women’s collection page differ in design, however both designs capture the essence of UNDERCOVER, linking its products and customers online. If you have not visited their website yet, take some time to explore the new website.
It is safe to say that UNDERCOVER is one of the most prominent Japanese brands who have survived countless years without an official website, even surpassing COMME des GARÇONS. Although designer Jun Takahashi is a familiar name on the honeyee.com blog and ZOZOTOWN launched their ZOZOVILLA with UNDERCOVER on its initial roster, their online presence as a brand has been absent to this day. Takahashi even dabbled on Twitter personally before noticing its incompatible with his lifestyle, resulting in the termination of his account. Although currently he prefers the Facebook platform and Takahashi can be found on the leading social networking site. Perhaps the team has saved the best for last, as their official website will launch on October 22nd at 22:22 Japan time. Coinciding with the launch of the site is an exclusive preview of the upcoming Spring/Summer 2012 Women’s collection. Register at www.undercoverism.com right now to secure a password to see the collection.
In any industry 25 years is a long time to be running a business, that is especially the case if it is in the print medium. Japanese men’s fashion magazine, MEN’S NON-NO is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and they have partnered up with some heavyweights in the Japanese men’s fashion arena. Familiar names such as UNDERCOVER, WTAPS, uniform experiment, miharayasuhiro have all contributed to the special collection, along with Japanese fashion labels Lad Musician, marka, Black & Blue and Universal Products. All of the items are currently available as pre-order through ZOZOTOWN online shopping mall in Japan.
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