Few brands can lay claim to a comparable level of relevance as Shinsuke Takizawa’s NEIGHBORHOOD. The Japanese label has proven to be an institution of style, consistently exuding effortless cool, and 2017 was no different. Both NEIGHBORHOOD and its sub-line LUKER delivered strong seasonal collections, continuing to blend influences drawn from punk music, biker customs, military style, and a host of other recognizable sources. NBHD even touched on politics with its new Donald Trump-referencing incense chamber. Takizawa also found time to open a new HOODS (NEIGHBORHOOD and WTAPS) store in Hiroshima and establish a new, plant-inspired clothing label—Specimen Research Laboratory. Besides working on his brands, Takizawa collaborated on a massive array of releases, ranging from the Vans Authentic and adidas Iniki to G-SHOCK and even Japanese mug imprint Rivers. Meanwhile, Converse tapped Takizawa for two collaborations this year: the Chuck Taylor All Star ’70 and the One-Star. Takizawa wraps up the year by covering HAVEN’s intelligence magazine and teasing an upcoming NMD release with adidas, confirming that the designer isn’t quieting down anytime soon.