Japanese artist and fashion designer Verdy was creatively on hyperdrive this year with a slew of partnerships and commissioned drops. The Girl’s Don’t Cry label founder first linked up with NIGO’s HUMAN MADE in early January for a small capsule release, and in February for a Valentine’s Day-themed collection consisting of tees, hoodies, totes and mugs. November also brought the two together once more for a logo mashup on items involving varsity jackets, shampoo bottles, a pullover and accessories.

In June, at the height of racial tensions affecting the world, Verdy showed support for the global movement of Black Lives Matter in a number of ways. He first linked up with other Japanese streetwear brands including WTAPS, HYKE, kolor, NEIGHBORHOOD and more to release the “JAPANESE SOLIDARITY WITH BLACK LIVES MATTER” T-shirt. Proceeds from its sales benefitted Black Lives Matter, Equal Justice Initiative and other organizations that invest in black communities. Verdy also dropped a “STOP RACISM, BLACK LIVES MATTER” T-shirt featuring his Vick character the same month. Proceeds from the sales of the Tee went to GirlSpace Compton, SUMMAEVERYTHANG, Black Artist Fund and the Transgender Law Center.

More high-profile works also happened this year for Verdy as he linked up with the popular Despicable Me characters Minions for an artistic play date with his Vick cartoon. The HBX-exclusive partnership offered up tees, stickers, bandanas, hoodies, a skate deck and special packaging featuring the two beloved characters. Later in the year, Verdy’s Girls Don’t Cry imprint joined up with Japanese fashion brand NEEDLES for a clothing capsule consisting of a cardigan, tees, tracksuit, scarf and hoodie.