UNDERCOVER x Nike Sportswear GYAKUSOU 2011 Spring/Summer Collection

After making its debut last season, the UNDERCOVER x Nike Sportswear GYAKUSOU running-inspired line makes a return for 2011 spring and summer. With a highly technical theme at the heart of the capsule alongside fashionable aesthetics, the love for running is fully exemplified by Jun Takahashi’s work. Aside from garment construction that ensures proper fit and performance, footwear also factors prominently into this season which hits stores soon.

In March 2011, NIKE and Jun Takahashi’s GYAKUSOU running line returns for its second collection visualizing a reverse engineered aesthetic in the partnership’s quest for total athletic performance.

The collection, launched in October 2010, stemmed from Takahashi’s love for long-distance running and his desire to combine his own functional design aesthetic with NIKE’s performance innovation expertise. The second collection reflects Takahashi’s mission to improve his performance as a runner in the streets and parks of Tokyo with the GIRA (GYAKUSOU International Running Association).

NIKE’s high performance treatments and Undercover’s signature design cues combine for this season’s theme of inside out. Takahashi focused on garment construction building the line from the inside out to minimize distraction during his run. This process creates a unique look with the binding, seams and stitching exposed on the outside of the garments while the interior delivers a seamless fit engineered for the runner’s comfort. Twinned with cuts and stretch panels the GYAKUSOU collection is designed for total movement.

Fabrics are lightweight, water resistant and breathable with an emphasis on moisture management. NIKE Dri-FIT, Therma-FIT and Sphere Cool are accompanied by perforated panels and tactically placed concealed zip pockets and organized multi pockets for enhanced storage solutions without superfluous obstruction.

From the Phantom Insideout Jacket — perfectly encompassing the season’s inside out theme — to the Therma-FIT Detachable Hoody’s convertible detail, a high performance design aesthetic is present throughout.

Continuing the partnership’s mission to create apparel and footwear that breaks with traditional color and graphic palettes, the usual use of black is replaced with earthy, harmonious neutral shades blended with unexpectedly bold options that enhance visibility.