DESCENDANT Spring/Summer '20
Renowned designer Tetsu Nishiyama has no shortage of labels, ostensibly working on WTAPS, FPAR, and DESCENDANT simultaneously. And though all are connected via one core design philosophy, they each operate within a certain niche -- the latter of the set generally leaning closer to civilian than military. Fresh off a collaboration with adidas, that very label is heading into Spring/Summer 2020 with a “THINK, TRY, DO” mindset interwoven throughout its every garment.
A period piece based on the 1980s, the collection draws heavy influence from American casual style, a subset of fashion that bled into Japan at a formative time for Nishiyama himself. Films such as ET, various publications, and a vast array of media depicted people of all ages and genders in the same clothing: an idea that the designer aims to emulate here. As such, big shirts, large, bold graphics, iconic flight jackets, and the like outfit models young and old in a special set of imagery, striking a diversity that’s still cut from the same grain.
But despite a fresh outlook, the range expands into familiar territory with newly added motifs, using oft-employed styles, such as unlined extreme weather parkas, BDUs, and MA-1s, that are very obviously removed of any WTAPS association. Even certain standouts of the bombers embellish with retro typography along their back, threading the brand’s namesake in neon tone. Rugby tops, short-sleeve jerseys, pullover baseball uniforms, and a slew of shirting craft variety in force, some playing with collegiate themes and others staying unabashedly simple in chambray, plaids, or twill.
Each their own merit, all of the upcoming offerings are on display just below; expect a release to hit stockists likely very soon.
