Brendan Dunne 
Jun Takahashi of Undercover fame will bring his forward thinking fashion to Nike Sportswear once again this Holiday season with the release of the latest installment of the Nike Gyakusou collection. Once again consisting of futuristic running gear and sneakers to match, the set features neutral tones and plenty of monochrome pieces. Sneakers included at the Nike LunarGlide 5+ and the Nike LunarSpider LT+ 3, both extensions of the selections from the last go round. See the Undercover x Nike Gyakusou range for Holiday 2013 after the break and watch for the pieces in stores starting October, 2013.
Source: Nike INC
Jun Takahashi’s days are defined by dual obsessions: textiles and running. Taking him from the streets and parks of Tokyo to his design studio, they occupy his mind and his body, and fully manifest in the Holiday 2013 Nike x Undercover Gyakusou collection. With solving fundamental problems through design as a passion, Jun Takahashi considered the elements and how the changing seasons can imbue a run with a sense of significance. Simple design and functionality soon became Jun Takahashi’s inspiration.
Similar to past seasons, the collection’s palette remains neutral. It features complementary color blocking in subtle city tones and natural hues that harmonize with both urban and rural environments. Moreover, it debuts a selection of monochromatic separates—a first for the Gyakusou collection. Boasting a precise composite of textiles, these tonal garments present a restrained 3D effect that conveys their complex, flattering construction. They are also made to layer, allowing runners to balance and personalize their style.
Driven by Jun’s infatuations, this season’s design process began with a visit to Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. Here, the Nike Advance Innovation Team offered insight into its latest materials and introduced Takahashi to its most advanced performance running apparel innovation – The Nike Aeroloft Vest. As an avid runner who seeks functional simplicity, Takahashi naturally gravitated towards the Nike Aeroloft vest and put it to the test. Trial lead to validation, and birthed a unique Gyakusou version of the Nike Aeroloft Vest. The combination of ripstop nylon with 800-fill down baffles helps keep runners warm in cold conditions. Simultaneously, the fabric uses movement to activate ventilation, allowing trapped air and body heat to escape through laser-cut perforations as the wearer’s activity level increases. Hours spent in the Nike materials library further influenced the designer’s choice of fabrics leading to a collection that’s aesthetics are outmatched only by its technologic advancements.
Mirroring Takahashi’s progress as a runner who has graduated from 30-minute jogs to regular 10K runs and the successful completion of multiple marathons, this season’s collection is more technical than ever, both in appearance and performance. Taking inspiration from his personal running advances, Jun has streamlined the Gyakusou designs so that every detail serves a running-specific function.
The hooded Softshell Jacket combines a wind-and-water-resistant outer shell with interior Dri-FIT knit for warmth and Nike Sphere Dry Brushed Mesh for breathability. The Lightweight Jacket provides a less substantial alternative, while the Aeroloft Vest is ideal for layering over the Dri-FIT Thermal Top, Dri-FIT Long-Sleeve Top, and Dri-FIT Short-Sleeve Top. Extending winter-specific design to bottoms, the Stretch Short features Dri-FIT Taffeta along with a laser-cut bonded hem and waistband for a warm, no-slip fit. There are also signature Gyakusou styles, including the men’s Long Tights, Mixed Long Pants, and the women’s Convertible Skirt, all fashioned from a combination of Dri-FIT fabrics. Winter accessories—the Knit Cap, Thermal Running Gloves, and Dri-FIT Neck Warmer—cater to respective climates.
The Nike x Undercover Gyakusou Holiday 2013 Collection launches in October.
