They did 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 met as early as 2021. Moncler developed its "Genius" project further at that time. The original eight capsule collections by eight different designers became a digital, global event with live performances from five cities: Milan, New York, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo. Under the name "Mondogenius", eleven fashion designers showed their creations. Alicia Keys hosted the event.
HYKE was among the participating labels. Behind the brand is the designer couple Hideaki Yoshihara and Yukiko Ode. Their first cooperation was in the light of clear utility and radical simplicity. With their show, they demonstrated their philosophy of purposefulness and pragmatism.
For the second Moncler Genius collection, HYKE delved even deeper into the themes of the previous season. They rummaged through the Moncler archives and completely re-conceived historic pieces, such as Lionel Terray's down jacket from 1960. The current collection sways in clean silhouettes and a symbiosis of lengths and shapes.
Technical materials and simple designs
The mix of short and oversized cuts runs like a pattern through the cooperation. 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 fisherman's 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® zips and thermally warmed quilting show the thoughtful workmanship.
The colours of the collection are black and neutral tones. Some pieces have been designed in a minimalist way with airy prints. Typical of HYKE, drawstrings and side slits have been incorporated into the collection.
Who is HYKE?
The fashion label was founded in Japan in 2013 and has become very popular there. While the fan base in the home country grew steadily, it was more difficult for HYKE to gain a foothold outside its borders. However, this changed abruptly when Yoshihara and Ode started a collaboration with The North Face International. Due to the huge success, the collection even had its own website and Instagram profile.
Functional, technical designs with refined details in a minimalist style are the cornerstones of the fashion brand. The creative ideas are complete to Moncler's taste. So it's no wonder that they decided to cooperate with HYKE. The Japanese label's colour palette is kept rather subtle with neutral tones. Especially the strict military style is often used for the designs.
The beginning of a story
After Ode and Yoshihara graduated from a Japanese fashion school, they opened a vintage shop in 1998 and founded the label "green". Even then, their clothes were simple and functional, which was rather rare in the world of women's fashion at that time. In 2005, they presented their autumn/winter collection on the catwalk for the first time. In the 2009 spring/summer collection, they integrated some men's designs. After that, the couple decided to take some time off before resuming their work three years later. Then, they 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, like the M-65 field jacket. With this line, the label gains more and more notoriety and followers. Collaborations with Adidas Original and Mackintosh followed. Although big brand names were already involved here, the later collaboration with The North Face made the most headlines and reactions. HYKE's sensitive sensibilities and The North Face's practical outdoor sportswear complemented each other so well, presenting functional pieces with minimalist designs for the Spring/Summer 2018 collection.
HYKE stands for independent, functional fashion that inspires with neutral colours and minimalist style. Yoshihara and Ode don't have a break planned anytime soon. We can look forward to even more unique pieces from the two in the future.
Photo credit: Moncler
