Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Jun Takahashi on the philosophy of Gyakusou
november 04, 2016 - Nike

Jun Takahashi on the philosophy of Gyakusou

For more than six years, #nike and #juntakahashi, founder of apparel brand, Undercover, have partnered to redefine #running wear. Each #nikelab Gyakusou collection builds upon the last, blending leading #nike innovation with Takahashi’s creative and athletic sensibilities. The Holiday 2016 #nikelab Gyakusou collection notably reflects Nike’s approach to transformative design, as select items are designed to reduce distraction by being easily packable.
Here, Takahashi explains the meditative nature of #running and the philosophy of Gyakusou since its inception.
Running is my biggest source of creativity. It makes sense that I create apparel and footwear to support my #running, which I dedicate time to everyday. I don’t know why, but I’ve always had a strong desire to express my feelings through apparel.
Rather than incorporate the meditative idea of #running into Gyakusou, I think about making everyday #running more comfortable. For example, those who like #fashion may feel inspired to run by wearing Gyakusou.
One of the biggest objectives for Gyakusou has been to update the looks of runners by using subtle colors that blend well with the urban atmosphere. I wanted to collaborate with #nike on running-wear to fuse my design aesthetics with Nike’s design functionality and technology.
Since the very beginning, I've made the Gyakusou color palette to blend well with both the urban and natural landscape using neutral colors. I intentionally include earthy colors and the traditional colors of Japan. Only this season have I included contrasting colors in the palette.
The structure of the Gyakusou pockets has been almost the same since the beginning; they are meant to store coins, keys and a mobile phone separately, so they don’t make noise and are easy to find. In this collection, I’ve included a new Quickburst® zipper and removable sleeves for when runners experience changes in the temperature. In partnership with the #nikelab team, I designed a slit for packability, to insert the jacket or sleeves after you take them off.
Gyakusou literally means “running in reverse,” which I actually do in the park. It represents my own punk-inspired rebel spirit. I don’t always have a goal, like a race to train for, but #running has become a steady part of my daily life, just like anyone else.
I just want to keep on #running.
The Holiday 2016 #nikelab Gyakusou is available beginning November 10 on #nike.com/nikelab and at select #nikelab stores.

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