Hot off the Press from the Nike Pressroom, images from Jun Takahashi’s Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Holiday 2014 Collection have been released and as usual, we are drooling all over our keyboard.
“Mirroring Jun Takahashi’s progressively more serious approach to running, this collection exponentially combines top Nike Running and Research Lab innovations with the designer’s athletic insights — insights that could only come from a Tokyo runner and only from a designer of Takahashi’s rare caliber. The results—which were rigorously tested by Takahashi and his GIRA running crew—signify a revolutionary rethinking of the modern running uniform.”
One of the most interesting updates is the hybrid running short/legging combo that Takahashi has approached from a engineering standpoint. “Among these critical insights was Takahashi’s desire to run wearing a single bottom layer, instead of in shorts over tights. But he didn’t feel comfortable simply eliminating shorts because he needed pockets to carry his house keys, train pass and small change. This awareness led to the contemplation of what a running uniform might look like in 1,000 years—how it would mutate and evolve—and precipitated the creation of the Men’s Utility Long Tights. An unprecedented combination of running shorts and running tights, they eliminate the bulk of two layers without compromising functionality or comfort. A looser fit on top incorporates pockets for the aforementioned essentials and recalls classic sport shorts, while the integrated full-leg coverage of tights provides necessary warmth.”
As always, the collection’s palette reflects the designer’s signature urban-rural sensitivity with understated city hues and natural tones. The men’s collection features dark obsidian, deep smolder, black, dark armory blue, bog green, armory navy and dark grey, while the women’s collection presents grand purple, vintage green and light bone.
The Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Holiday 2014 Collection hits NikeLab destinations worldwide and nike.com/nikelab on Oct. 22, 2014.
xx Jeanine