One might never contemplate that donning on sportswear as the first interpretation of a stylish and trendy outfit or look, but it seems that Japanese fashion designer, Jun Takahashi (of Undercover label)’s latest collaboration with sportswear maker Nike in the latest Nike x Undercover Gyakusou S/S 2013 collection clearly proves that is possible.
Before you think this is yet another collaboration which are aplenty these days, imagine this: this collection which combines Jun Takahashi‘s functional avant-garde aesthetics and the latest Nike innovations, was designed with the thought of creating the ideal running products for the marathons in Honolulu and more especially, the runner in you (especially those of you who always put off your passion for running because you can never find sportswear that is stylish or breathable enough for running in the summer days; which is a daily constant in Singapore).
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For this, Jun Takahashi who is an avid runner himself relates that, “running in the Summer is a battle against heat”, and his collection is the answer to the find of the perfect balance between style and functionality, the same way a “soulful runner” focuses on both the contemplative and performance sides of running.
In the “on-the-streets” collection presentation, we got a first-hand glimpse of how well the clothes function when used in workouts. Seated in trishaws, we were brought from streets to streets, alleys to alleys where both male and female models, who were decked in pieces from the collection, demonstrate how the clothes function whilst they are being engaged in the various sports workouts, be it from stretching to running, under the scorching heat.
And to spark things up, both mens and womens collection feature a unique take in the aesthetics and cut of the clothes.
For the mens, the signature style takes to a naturalistic direction: a wavy pattern (bottom) that trials down noticeably from neckline to hem of the tee. It’s organic shape which as inspired by military quilt design, actually serves great functional utility during vigorous workouts- in keeping total comfort, as well as exuding a subtle look and feel in the appearance.
Apart from the tank, the mens range also include other incredibly functional and convertible pieces (think transformer-ish, to get the drift), such as the Convertible Jacket (above), which has unlined detachable sleeves (that becomes a vest) and a no-sew construction base that prevents any abrasion or friction during long runs.
When we first felt the piece, we were simply blown away by the immensely thin, lightweight yet durable fabrication of the jacket!
Likewise, the womens range too get their own signature touch: the diamond shape paneling, which is a much more unique approach than the mens . The women’s range, which also carries the same pieces as the men’s, is in essence, functional and comfortable with a fashionable take.
On the tee, the diamond is centered directly on the tee in a lush green palette that is contrasted greys in colour block style, reminiscing that of Rio landscapes. And on the jacket, the key function lies in it’s convertibility too, with detachable sleeves, a nicely waisted sash that can be ribboned up and coupled with a rightly-sized running shorts.
All in all, we really love Jun’s approach in this collaborative collection as he brings sportswear to a new level in the style-o-meter. And if you are still hesitating, don’t. The sun is out and there is really no better time than now to get yourself fit, especially when your answer to the perfect running gear is finally here!
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The Nike X Undercover Gyakusou S/S13 collection is priced from $89 onwards, and is available exclusively at Surrender Boutique, at Raffles Hotel Arcade.
Surrender Boutique (Raffles Hotel Arcade) #02 – 31 328 North Bridge Road Singapore 188719 Tel: (65) 6733 2130
COUTURE TROOPERS MAGAZINE 
Was in town till a day before the event took place in Singapore. Sorry that I missed it but it is good to see Gyakusou getting into swing outside Japan. Surrender is very nice shop !