Junya Watanabe and The North Face Craft Another Built-In Backpack Jacket
The FW19 “Tortoise Jacket” features an internal daypack and carrying straps.
Junya Watanabe‘s standout The North Face collaborations continue, as Rei Kawakubo’s protégé delivers more built-in backpack designs. For Fall/Winter 2019, the pair have mashed up a high-neck jacket and a classic daypack, taking functional layering pieces to bold new heights.
Though the appropriately-named “Tortoise Jacket” is marginally less flashy than its Fall/Winter 2018 counterparts, its no less clever, with plentiful details packed into the monochrome package. Handwarmer pockets, sturdy snap and zipper closure, velcro cuffs and safety orange quilted lining ensure that the jacket will protect its wearer from winter chill, while a touch of camouflage on the inside reinforces Watanabe’s workwear inclinations. Of course, the key detail is the daypack embedded in the rear of the jacket, complete with oversized branding, adjustable straps and internal carrying straps.
Expect the soon-to-sell-out Tortoise Jacket to hit Goldwin’s web store on August 30 for ¥159,000 JPY (approximately $1,500 USD).
Most recently, the Goldwin-operated branch of The North Face launched sock-like GORE TEX sneakers.
