Shinsuke Takizawa Discusses NEIGHBORHOOD x Y-3

Summary

• First unveiled on the runway at Paris Fashion Week in January, NEIGHBORHOOD has teamed up with Y-3 for a moto culture-inspired collaboration
• Yohji Yamamoto and Shinsuke Takizawa have connected again, this time crafting a special range of apparel and hybrid kicks
• Dubbed “Y-3 NEIGHBORHOOD,” the campaign culminates with a global launch via adidas on October 25

Update: While the launch date for NEIGHBORHOOD and Y-3’s first collection rapidly nears, we had the opportunity to speak to NEIGHBORHOOD founder Shinsuke Takizawa about the collaboration. Enjoy the full conversation below and look out for the drop to take place on October 25.

This collaboration walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week back in January. What was it like seeing your work in that context?

Shinsuke Takizawa: Since it was a collection built over a long period with the teams from Yohji Yamamoto, adidas Y-3, and NEIGHBORHOOD, watching the runway show was a deeply emotional experience. At the same time, I felt immense gratitude toward the team and a strong sense of accomplishment, which made it a truly satisfying show. The creations of NEIGHBORHOOD and Y-3 were beautifully balanced and blended in the styling, resulting in a new style that exceeded my expectations.

You have referenced motorcycle culture since NEIGHBORHOOD’s inception. What sets this capsule apart from previous works?

The theme of this collection is motorcycle style, but with a more urban, elegant expression than NEIGHBORHOOD’s traditional approach. Rather than pursuing a realistic image, we aimed for something more futuristic and imaginative.

How did you balance Y-3’s technical aesthetic with NEIGHBORHOOD’s street sensibility?

NEIGHBORHOOD handled about 90% of the style and graphic design for this collection. In addition, by developing the fabrics and fine details alongside the adidas Y-3 and Yohji Yamamoto teams, we were able to create an elegant, urban street style.

David Gwyther, a.k.a Death Spray Custom, helped with both the moto helmets and t-shirts. What prompted his involvement with the project?

I’ve been friends with DSC David for quite some time, and I’ve personally been a fan of his work. About three years ago, we also released a collaborative collection for NEIGHBORHOOD.
For this Y-3 collection, I wanted to incorporate his deep knowledge of motorcycle culture and his unique, imaginative vision, so we brought him onto the team.

You’ve worked with Yohji Yamamoto several times over the years. What stands out to you most about working with him?

Over the past few years, I’ve been creating collections together with Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME. I believe it was around the end of 2021 when I first met Mr. Yohji to discuss launching this special collaboration. Shortly after that, the project began, and since then, we’ve continued to work together each season. At Paris Men’s Fashion Week, having a brief conversation with Mr. Yohji after the show is one of the moments I look forward to most each year.

Both you and Yohji have long-standing relationships with adidas. What do you think keeps your connection with adidas so strong after all this time? 

I think the reason is quite simple — it comes down to my genuine love for adidas, and the mutual trust and respect that go beyond a typical company-to-company collaboration. That’s really what it’s all about.

Do you have a favorite memory or design that you’ve made with adidas?

The first collaborative Superstar we created in 2005 holds many special memories for me.

What’s your favorite part of the collection?

Of course, I love every part of the collection, but the leather pieces by Dainese and the graphic elements by DSC are my personal favorites.

How do you hope people feel when wearing the collection?

I think this collection expresses the identities of both Y-3 and NEIGHBORHOOD in a well-balanced way, so I’d be happy if people enjoy actually wearing and experiencing it for themselves.

Original Story: Yohji Yamamoto and adidas’ collaborative Y-3 line offered a bold runway appearance at Paris Fashion Week back in January. Within the 36-look range was the debut of NEIGHBORHOOD x Y-3 gear, which has now been presented as the “Y-3 NEIGHBORHOOD” collection.

Shinsuke Takizawa and Yamamoto are no strangers, having teamed up before via their own labels. Now, they’ve come together for a moto culture-inspired collection that begins with a leather set of racer jackets and pants that are covered in special co-branding, produced in Europe by Dainese. Throughout the range is a new moniker, Y-3-N, that fuses the three partners into one name. This motif is also present atop a custom motorcycle by Cherryscompany and a set of one-of-one moto helmets by David Gwyther, aka Death Spray Custom. The artist also created graphics that have been translated into t-shirts carrying the following motifs respectively: a scorpion, frog, and moth. Rounding out the range is the Y-3 NBHD Nizzastar Lo, which combines the Nizza with the Superstar to create a familiar-yet-fresh silhouette.

NEIGHBORHOOD and Y-3’s collaborative “Y-3 NEIGHBORHOOD” collection is scheduled to launch on October 25 via adidas. The custom one-of-one moto helmets and motorcycle will not be made available for sale.

 

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