Hombre Niño and Ellesse Launch Heritage-Minded Capsule Collection
Encompassing co-branded wearables and color-blocked sneakers.
Operated by Goldwin (the company behind Japanese imprints like THE NORTH FACE PURPLE LABEL, nanamica, HELLY HANSEN and more), the Japanese branch of Ellesse occasionally launches creative collaborations with youthful Japanese labels, reworking its sportswear heritage into new collections. Ahead of Spring/Summer 2020, the label recruited Hombre Niño designer and avid skater YOPPI to elevate a host of shoes and graphic gear.
Along with a series of in-house Assist-Hi and Assist-Low sneakers, Ellesse is launching one Hombre Niño edition of each sneaker, sporting premium leather and monochrome color-blocking, elevated by touches of blue. The design is a nod to the original silhouette, which then-17-year-old YOPPI skated back in 1984. In-house colorways include tonal white and a dramatic blend of primary colors, revitalizing the classic with a modern shape.
Rounding out the joint effort is a set of T-shirts and caps, executed with co-branding and statement graphics. The hats place logos across the crown and adjustable strap, while the tees emblazon a suit-wearing Vitruvian Man across the rear, complete with Hombre Niño text beneath.
The Hombre Niño x Ellesse capsule launched this month and is available on Goldwin’s website and at stockists like COVERCHORD.
Elsewhere in Japan, the domestic branch of Converse introduced a customizable RIPLAYER Hi sneaker.
