Evisu has teamed up with Mastermind Japan and Roarguns to launch a seven-piece collection that is based on the “archival legacies” of each brand. The collection rebuilds “the past for the present day.”
It is an ambitious collection that includes a Type II denim jacket, denim jeans, after-hood sweatshirt, T-shirts and accessories. The collection features signature treatments such as black-overdyed denim, multi-pocket construction and custom hardware, as well as Swarovski crystals.
“Drawn from decades of design history across the three brands, Evisu, Mastermind Japan and Roarguns revisited their respective archives to explore their shared Japanese roots,” Evisu said in a statement. “With Evisu’s denim craftsmanship, Mastermind Japan’s monochromatic aesthetic and Roarguns’ unmistakable identity, the three brands merge to form an entirely new attitude.”
Evisu said the heart of the collection is a denim set inspired by the brand’s signature Daicock motif and multipocketed design. “A first for the brand, the two signature designs are combined onto a single garment, marking a new chapter in Evisu’s continued denim innovations,” the brand said, adding that distressed details and torn pockets unearth the Daicock motif, “allowing the two signatures of Evisu to be seen, a tension resulting from the construction of one and deconstruction of another.”
While the collection draws inspiration from the brand’s past, elements have been retooled for a modern twist. “The Type II silhouette, an important milestone in denim design and revered by collectors, is also reworked for the collaboration in a monochromatic textured black wash,” the brand said, adding that the jacket has been re-engineered for a contemporary lens. The jacket takes on a relaxed and boxy profile, “reflecting modern proportions while retaining detailing that reflects the jacket’s heritage.”
And there are other ways the collection looks forward. Evisu said the collection reflects traditional techniques that are “elevated through detailing and modern execution.” The collection features embellishments by Swarovski crystals along with embroidery with metallic thread and graphics that are inspired by hand painting. The brand said this introduces depth and texture to give each piece “a distinctive character” while unifying the visual signatures of the three collaborators and their collective visions.
The brand said complementing the denim lineup is a range of cut-and-sew apparel and accessories spotlighting the collections’ craftmanship and heritage.
“The zip-up hoodie draws inspiration from vintage ‘after-hood’ sweatshirts, when hoods were historically attached to pre-existing crewneck sweatshirts, resulting in a distinctive structure along the neck outline,” the brand said. “Meanwhile, the layered waffle shirt introduces modern proportions with dropped shoulders and is enhanced by a garment pigment-dye treatment that creates depth and a naturally worn appearance.”
The campaign was photographed by Yuto Kudo, who used a predominantly analogue process, with the black-and-white film being developed by hand in a darkroom. Styling for the campaign was by Hayato Takada with hair and makeup by Hirokazu Endo. The models were Kyosuke Akiyoshi and S. Ryota. The campaign was produced by Naohiro Tomura.
The collection is priced from $90 to $1,285 and is available exclusively today at GR8 Tokyo and globally on Oct. 16 at 12 p.m. JST on evisu.com and select Evisu stores worldwide.