The latest from Y-3: Spring Summer 2018

For those unaware, Y-3 is the collaboration between Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto and Sportswear giant Adidas. Y-3’s self-proclaimed ethos is ‘born from culture, built for purpose, daringly simple. Elegant, functional and a celebration of pure craftsmanship…the future of sport-style.’ With an artfully 'less is more' attitude, the emphasis is placed on fabrics and functionality. Y-3’s approach to branding is more subtle than garish, with the use of tonal logos applied carefully throughout the pieces. Where the logo is applied in contrast, the addition of dual branding including Yohji's signature, provides a welcome contrast to clean lines and minimal detailing. Y-3’s second drop for Spring Summer ’18 sees new visuals emblazoned onto apparel and accessories: illustrations designed by Taishi Hayashi, a long term collaborator of Yohji’s.  The pieces feature Leopards and Japanese Cobras emerging from tropical jungle-inspired foliage, embroidered on to bags, sweaters, long shirts and t-shirts. The use of bold imagery breaks up the largely minimal pared-back designs typical of Y-3’s collections. The addition of wildlife and the application of embroidery is a refreshingly bespoke take on the use of botanical imagery, which has been seen in abundance across fashion, interiors and homeware since Spring ’17. Anchored to it’s roots in Adidas’ sporting heritage, Y-3’s usually monochromatic collection sees a pop of colour for it’s Spring '18 offering, with a vibrant ‘chilli red’ colour way making it’s way across apparel, accessories and footwear. The recent release sees more organic lines, fluid silhouettes and embroidery with lightweight, intelligent fabrics. Y-3 continues to utilise the creative strength from both sides: Adidas’ high performing tech fabrics and Yohji Yamamoto’s masterful minimalism, to create an impressive sports-luxe collection, with no details spared.