Nike x Undercover
Gyakusou Holiday 2014

Since last June Nike has been opening very inspirational new consumer destinations in 6 major cities all over the globe and online named named NikeLab. The new outlet is a place to showcase how Nike interacts and collaborates with other innovators as part of its larger journey of exploration. It will present a curated collection defined by product never before imagined paired with new variations of existing performance styles. Among the first line of new products presented within the new framework is an all new beautiful Nike Gyakusou line for the holiday season of 2014. Mirroring designer Jun Takahashi’s progressively more serious approach to running, this collection exponentially combines top Nike Running and Research Lab innovations with the designer’s athletic insights, which resulting in a collection combining its signature sharp aesthetic with the latest innovations in performance wear: we love it!

Among these critical insights was Takahashi’s desire to run wearing a single bottom layer, instead of in shorts over tights. But he didn’t feel comfortable simply eliminating shorts because he needed pockets to carry his house keys, train pass and small change. This awareness led to the contemplation of what a running uniform might look like in 1000 years, how it would mutate and evolve, and precipitated the creation of the Men’s Utility Long Tights. A looser fit on top incorporates pockets for the aforementioned essentials and recalls classic sport shorts, while the integrated full-leg coverage of tights provides necessary warmth.

An unprecedented combination of running shorts and running tights, they eliminate the bulk of two layers without compromising functionality or comfort.

This same forward-looking concept of mutation and evolution also infuses the men’s and women’s Engineered Sleeve Composite Jacket. Instead of using a single fabric to form the outerwear layer, the unlined jacket takes into account the multifaceted needs of the resolute runner and incorporates the multiple materials required to meet them. The body of the garment is constructed of a composite Storm-FIT that provides weather protection, whereas the sleeves and neck are formed from an engineered knit that allows for mobility and adapts to the arm in motion. A stand collar and sealed seams further combat the elements, while a key/coin pocket and laser-cut, concealed-zip hand pockets anticipate the runner’s on-the-go needs. Moreover, laser-perforated underarm ventilation facilitates cooling while a laser-cut Gyakusou logo placed vertically along the back acts as an exhaust system, expelling body heat.

As always with the amazing Gyakusou line, the collection’s palette reflects the designer’s signature urban-rural sensitivity with understated city hues and natural tones. The men’s collection features dark obsidian, deep smolder, black, dark armory blue, bog green, armory navy and dark grey, while the women’s collection presents grand purple, vintage green and light bone.

The Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Holiday 2014 Collection hits NikeLab destinations worldwide and online on October the 23th.

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