This marks the second collaboration between the heritage denim label and Jun Takahashi’s epochal brand. It's chiefly celebrating the 35th anniversary of the latter, so you'll be seeing a ton of winks to previous collections. Before we get into that though, how can we not appreciate the campaign?
Not only is Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers' iconic bassist, is explanation even necessary?) fronting the pieces from his Malibu home, the photographs are shot by his daughter Clara Balzary (who apparently received her first camera at age 12 from dad’s bandmate/lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis). You gotta admit; something about this lethal combination of styles and aesthetic just scratches an itch in the brain.
Referencing UNDERCOVER AW1998 collection “Exchange” program, the Pinnacle Type II Trucker Jackets feature detachable zip detailing along the sleeves, collar, and side seams. Talk about a fully customisable look. Crafted from Levi’s® indigo selvedge denim and black corduroy, it is finished with another nod to the original concept—a co-branded jarcron patch and 'Small parts' neck label.
Another archival trope is unmistakably the embroidered ‘Giza’ pattern on the sleeves & bottom hem on the Type III Trucker Jacket. Though that may trace from way back (i.e. 2003), the similarly constructed outerwear of black & white 12 oz. denim gets a new artwork inspired by yin and yang.
This dual ‘light’ and ‘darkness’ etched across the chest plus watchful graphics on the back mirror on the classic 501® Jean and Baggy Jean. Whether it's classic silhouette or relaxed fit, both duplicate the same wash and technique to match.
Now if you want all that visual cue but in the lightness of a tee, you've got long and short-sleeved choices executed with the same detailing in monochromatic options.
The Levi’s x UNDERCOVER collection is available from 18 January at Levi’s® ION Orchard and online.
Italian craftsmanship traditions meet Indian artisanal techniques in the latest Tod's Factory project. Renowned Indian designer Rahul Mishra—known for his incredibly intricate creations that draw inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage—reimagines a range of Tod's icons for both men and women, adding touches of opulence for pieces meant to be seen and admired.
Mishra explains that the Rahul Mishra x Tod's collection is a result of "drawing inspiration from nature, my constant muse, crafting classic in-house motifs and the distinctive foliage, synonymous with my designs". Kaarigar artisans were employed to decorate leather with embroideries reflecting nature. On the Tod's Gommino loafers and mules, these embroideries take on the shape of Mishra's Tree of Life motif and woven with silk on black velvet trimmed with leather for men, while women Gommino loafers are additionally done in a metallic nappa leather. Similar techniques are applied on the Di Bag and the Timeless T shoulder bag, amped up with sequins, crystals and beads.
More than simply introducing Indian artisanal techniques onto Tod's icons, the Tod's Factory project is an artistic dialogue. The project was launched in 2018, first with Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua and has since seen collaborations with creatives the likes of the late Alber Elbaz, Hender Scheme, as well as a three-prong with Moncler and Palm Angels. Tod's Factory allows these creatives access to the brand's craftsmen and savoir faire in Italy's Marche region, and of course, breathing new life to classic Tod's pieces.
This latest Tod's Factory edition is easily a standout based on the decorations alone. The Gommino loafers for men would make for the perfect evening option with suiting, while the Timeless T mules are an easy way of dressing up a classic white-shirt-and-jean pairing. Because when the pieces are this beautiful, they deserve all the spotlight.
The Rahul Mishra x Tod's collection is now available in boutiques and online.