UNDERCOVER's "2020"-Inspired SS21 Collection Is Fully Rendered in 3D
Heavily-printed suits and a new Nike collaboration are on full display.
How could UNDERCOVER top the spectacle of its blockbuster Fall/Winter 2020 runway presentation? Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the stalwart Japanese brand wasn’t given an opportunity to create something equally majestic, but founder Jun Takahashi and his team did opt for a clever alternative: fully-rendered 3D models wearing the new Spring/Summer 2021 wares.
The digital lookbook is rich with UNDERCOVER signatures, like rich all-over printed suiting and quirky accessories that range from futuristic blocky sunglasses to spike chokers. A bevy of blazers and slacks are rendered in bright tones and loose cuts, complemented by slouchy cardigans, knitwear and pajama set-ups. Floral-printed sneakers, tonal slippers and collaborative Nike running sneakers offer a casual counterpoint to lace-up sandals and studded derbies, while workwear-indebted layering pieces and crumpled hats toe the line.
“In March, as COVID-19 first began to unleash its fury, I began to develop my ideas and theme, with all of the designs being completed in April during a nationwide lockdown,” Takahashi explained in a statement. “During this time, I really began to get a sense that my views towards work, doubts about the structure of daily life, and society as a whole, were experiencing major changes. The situation still has not resolved itself and many challenging days lie ahead, but these shifts are undoubtedly something that everyone is experiencing.
“Despite this collection being the first that I have designed from home and despite the difficult times, with a slight uncertainty I continued to work in my usual style and was able to create something completely separate from all of the changes occurring within myself. Even with the transformations taking place, is that not good? This is the result of continuing to design in my own unique way. I feel that these changes taking place within myself and society should be accepted and viewed as a positive outcome. I cannot return to the life I had before. I must continue to push forward down the path that is unique for UNDERCOVER. Make a new life. Make new noise.”
View the three-dimensional “2020” lookbook imagery on UNDERCOVER’s website.
Elsewhere during the digital Paris Fashion Week, Yohji Yamamoto issued a shadowy, textural SS21 lookbook.
