UNIQLO x UNDERCOVER S/S '12 MENSWEAR

This week, the full look preview for individual garments from Uniqlo's upcoming debut collection with Jun Takahashi's Undercover was unveiled, after being shown the family lookbook. As a collaboration project, it's hard not to compare it with Uniqlo's previous venture with Jil Sander for +J, but there's really little similarities at all. "UU" at first look plays more with colours and some more unconventional shaping perhaps, with some amusing shirt styles and bottoms to come out, all rather quirky and Japanese. The three items pictured have caught my attention most, including the hooded sweat with nice buttoned pockets and contrasting drawstring, set to be available in 9 summer colours. The cotton t-shirt looks to have a good shape and light feel with minimal stitching or branding, perhaps as one would expect with Uniqlo. And as for the biker jacket that has fronted the collection since it's initial announcement months back, I'm still not sure what it's made of, maybe synthetic leather and polyester sleeves, which I'll have to judge upon first hand viewing as and when the collection launches on March 16th. Price points are very good too at more than reasonable value. The wait is almost over.

NIKE x UNDERCOVER GYAKUSOU SPRING 2012

Undercover's Jun Takahashi continues his work with Nike for their collaboration project GYAKUSOU for the fourth season, and with its release only days away, we've been given a detailed look of the collection, topped off with this campaign video unveiled earlier today. I admire how the products reflect strongly on the actual beauty of running itself, the surroundings in which we do it and what the exercise represents through our lives. Of course, that combined with Nike's leading innovations results in a high performance, design-enhanced range.

For Spring 2012, womenswear is introduced for the first time and the video clearly distinguishes the varying cultures between running for each gender, taking on the concept of Yin & Yang, light and dark. Colour is always at the forefront of the collection and this season is no different with some stunning blends involved. The Helvetica print is slightly uninspiring, but it is overall another strong and outstanding set of running gear, soon to be available in retailers. As is the Undercover collab with Uniqlo remember, something I'm personally looking forward to a bit more.

UNDERCOVER FALL/WINTER '11 BACKPACK

A preview of what's to come from UNDERCOVER by Jun Takahashi includes this gorgeous backpack. Rucksacks and backpacks have been acquiring quite a bit of hype lately and this item is sure to please enthusiasts when it drops for Fall 2011. It's made of a camel canvas and dark brown leather base, with fine leather and nylon details to finish. With the quality craftsmanship and compact shell shape, this is a thing of beauty. If you can afford it.

UNIQLO x UNDERCOVER COLLABORATION

We found out a few weeks ago that Uniqlo's hit partnership with Jil Sanders and her +J collection will be ending come the end of the year, with the initial 3-year deal not to be renewed. It was a successful project, proving that high quality chic garments can be accessible, and such well designed pieces too. But Uniqlo have been quick to find a new collaboration, agreed as a long-term project, they have joined up with Japanese brand Undercover led by Jun Takahashi. They're a unique brand offering "strange but beautiful" products in multiple stores across Japan.  The first pieces will be released for Spring 2012 and this is something to be excited for.