Undercover Celebrates 35 Years with Menswear Collection
Jun Takahashi, the creative mind behind Undercover, recently unveiled a menswear collection that pays homage to his fall 2004 collection “But Beautiful” as part of the brand’s 35th anniversary celebration. Drawing inspiration from French artist Anne-Valérie Dupond, Takahashi aimed to create garments that mimic the style of clothing made for a child’s plush toy.
Music has always been an integral part of Takahashi’s fashion shows, and for this collection, he brought on stage Patti Smith, the muse of the original 2004 collection. Lyrics from Smith’s song “People Have The Power” were intricately incorporated into the designs, adding a poetic touch to the garments. Additionally, London-based Welsh artist Emma Bennett collaborated with Takahashi, lending her darkly resonant still life artwork to the collection.
The collection featured a range of distorted elements, such as mismatched buttons, meandering seams, exposed pocket linings, and clothing labels attached on the outside of the garments. These unique details, inspired by Dupond’s plush toy aesthetic, encouraged wearers to embrace imperfections and redefine their sense of style.
In a nod to collaboration, Undercover partnered with brands like Champion, Dickies, and Vans to reimagine classic pieces with a distorted remix. The red coat from the collection served as a nod to last season’s womenswear show, showcasing a seamless transition between genders.
During the presentation in the showroom, a young model expressed his admiration for the comfort of the round-toed work boots, highlighting the brand’s dedication to both style and functionality. Takahashi’s use of paper yarn blended with cotton added a unique tactile crispiness to the garments, while the irregularly striped boat neck shirts showcased his meticulous attention to detail.
Overall, the collection exuded a sense of beauty in imperfection, with pieces from the “the Shepherd” sub-brand capsule appealing to Undercover enthusiasts from various generations. With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, Takahashi’s menswear collection proved to be a fitting tribute to the brand’s 35 years of creativity and craftsmanship.
