Testu Nishiyama — the mastermind behind WTAPS, FORTY PERCENTS AGAINST RIGHTS and DESCENDANT — continues to prove incessantly innovative. As with years past, 2018 saw a variety of releases from each of his brands, including a number of collaborations. To name a few: WTAPS started the year off strong with a range of apparel with MADNESS, then turned it up with a fiery Vans capsule, while DESCENDANT delivered the refined “Rivalry Pack” with adidas Originals. Hype-filled partnerships aside, Testu remains a centerpiece in Japanese streetwear for his ability to take classic American style sensibilities and meld them with his homeland’s approach to quality and production. As long as they’re around, Testu and WTAPS will always be the older, much cooler guys in the room.