The North Face x UNDERCOVER Drop Second Collaboration "SOUKUU Season 2"
“The idea is that wearing it brings you closer to a meditative state of mind,” UNDERCOVER founder Jun Takahashi told Hypebeast.
The North Face is back with another collaboration with UNDERCOVER designer Jun Takahashi. For its second iteration of SOUKUU, a specific line focusing on technical performance of the outdoor-focused products, key TNF pieces are reimagined through the UNDERCOVER lens.
For “SOUKUU Season 2,” the collection is explorative by nature, driven by sophisticated and performance-focused technology for outdoor activities like hiking, trail running and more. The collaboration packages the conventional adventure apparel with a more holistic view, bringing a stronger balance between durable performance fabrics and effortless forms. The clothing line focuses on lightweight material, making it easy to wear and adaptable for various weather conditions.
The collection features the notable packable fishtail shell parka that features de zippers enhance ventilation and ensure all-day comfort while exploring, and the bag can be stowed away or transformed into a crossbody bag in a second, making it easy to carry around. As for the packable mountain light shell jacket, it has multiple pockets for storing essentials for hikes, similar to that of the trail run packable wind jacket. Utility shorts and t-shirts, as well as an adjustable trail run cap are lightweight and waterproof, fit for vigorous outdoor hikes or runs.
Ahead of the collaboration release, Hypebeast spoke with Jun Takahashi on his second drop.
Hypebeast: How have you worked and collaborated with The North Face since the start of your relationship?
Jun Takahashi: We discuss the basic concept and I draw design sketches based on it. Then, we add functionality by The North Face to finalize the design.
What does the SOUKUU line mean to you and how are you redesigning it to fit the UNDERCOVER aesthetic?
SOUKUU is outdoor-wear that seamlessly integrates with both nature and urban environments. The idea is that wearing it brings you closer to a meditative state of mind. We are unraveling The North Face’s historical designs and infusing them with UNDERCOVER’s interpretation to update them.
Can you walk us through the design process behind the new collection?
Based on The North Face’s plan, we updated its historical designs. From this season, we added trail running gear. I sketched out the design drawings based on the concept. By interacting with The North Face on the functional aspects, we finalized the materials and color schemes.
How have you challenged the “construct of trail and hiking” across the collection?
I’ve designed it with hydration functionality in mind, unlike regular (city) running wear. The fit of the top is relaxed to accommodate hot weather conditions.
How do the garments embrace new forms of functionality?
Rather than constantly pursuing novelty, I focus on incorporating minimal functionality and design.
The North Face x UNDERCOVER “SOUKUU Season 2” collaboration will be available worldwide at select retailers and online starting on March 28 and in Japan on April 5.
