They've done it again: 4 MONCLER x HYKE
Moncler presents its second collection with the Japanese fashion label. We took a closer look at HYKE and the fashion pieces.
The two fashion companies already met in 2021. At the time, Moncler was further developing its “Genius” project. The original eight capsule collections by eight different designers have become a digital, global event with live performances from five cities: Milan , New York , Shanghai , Seoul and Tokyo . Eleven fashion designers showed their creations under the name “ Mondogenius ”. Alicia Keys moderated the event.
HYKE was among the participating labels. Behind the brand is the designer couple Hideaki Yoshihara and Yukiko Ode. Their first collaboration was in the light of clear usefulness and radical simplicity. With their show they showed their philosophy of determination and pragmatism.
For the second Moncler Genius collection, HYKE delved even deeper into the themes of the previous season. They sifted through the Moncler archives and reinvented historic pieces like Lionel Terray 's 1960 down jacket. The current collection is characterized by clear silhouettes and a symbiosis of lengths and shapes.
Technical materials and simple designs
The mix of short and oversized cuts runs through the cooperation like a pattern. Strict lines are the signature of the creations. Simple short or long rain jackets are mixed with oversized quilted coats. Chunky down jackets are balanced with pleated maxi dresses and bucket hats.
Many small details show the functionality : waterproof fabrics, a lot of sewn-in pockets and technical materials. The outerwear is made of GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ and micro ripstop nylon. Double closures, YKK AQUASEAL® zippers and thermally warmed quilting show the well thought-out workmanship.
The colors of the collection are kept in black and neutral tones. Some pieces were designed in a minimalistic way with airy prints. Typical for HYKE, a drawstring and side slits have been included in the collection.
Who is HYKE?
The fashion label was founded in Japan in 2013 and has since become very popular there. While the fan base grew steadily in their home country, HYKE found it more difficult to gain a foothold outside the borders. That all changed when Yoshihara and Ode began a collaboration with The North Face International . Due to its huge success, the collection even has its own website and Instagram profile.
Functional, technical designs with sophisticated details in a minimalist style are the cornerstones of the fashion brand. The creative ideas are entirely to Moncler's taste. So it's no wonder that they decided to cooperate with HYKE. The color palette of the Japanese label is rather subtle with neutral tones. Above all, the strict military style is often used for the designs.
The beginning of a story
After graduating from a Japanese fashion school , Ode and Yoshihara opened a vintage shop in 1998 and founded the label “green” . Even then, her clothing was simple and functional, which was rather rare in the world of women's fashion at the time. In 2005 they presented their autumn/winter collection on the catwalk for the first time. In the spring/summer collection 2009 they integrated some men's designs. The couple then decided to take some time off before returning to work three years later. They then renamed the label in the course of the 2013 winter collection - HYKE was born.
Each new collection is inspired by vintage pieces steeped in history, such as the M-65 field jacket. With this line, the label is gaining more and more popularity and supporters. Collaborations with Adidas Original and Mackintosh follow. Although big brand names were involved here, it was the subsequent collaboration with The North Face that drew most of the headlines and reactions. The sensitive sensitivity of HYKE and the practical outdoor sportswear from The North Face complemented each other so well that functional pieces with minimalist designs were presented for the spring/summer 2018 collection.
HYKE stands for independent, functional fashion that impresses with neutral colors and a minimalist style. Yoshihara and Ode didn't plan a break anytime soon. We can look forward to even more unique pieces by the two in the future.
Photos: Moncler
