Keizo Shimizu and Daiki Suzuki’s Nepenthes family tree is responsible for two of our most-loved brands, Needles and South2 West8. Iconic silhouettes, Japanese street style and influences rooted in vintage Americana; the writing's on the wall for Spring/summer '23 - it's future grail season where Nepenthes are concerned. Fan-favourite silhouettes in the Needles track pant and Rebuild series reappear in new colours and tie-dye treatments whilst South2 West8's hunting-inspired garb redefines what it means to bring the outdoors inside. Explore the looks we're getting behind this season.
The first pair of track pants were produced in France in 1920 taking the form of a grey, jersey trousers that were designed to enhance movement and comfort during exercise; the aim here was functionality, not design. Now, a little over a century later, the track pant has become synonymous with the Needles brand. Comfortable, versatile and known worldwide via their signature stripe, the Needles track pant is a tried and tested wardrobe essential. Pair with a sneaker or dress it up with a more formal shoe like Paraboot’s infamous Michael, the opportunities are endless.
Originally founded in 2002 in Sapporo, South2 West8 started out as a retail store before evolving into the coveted brand it is today. Kaname Nagaoka took the reigns in 2003 and launched S2W8 as the brand you know and love. Largely taking inspiration from the art of Tenkara fly fishing with vast nature of Hokkaido as its backdrop, the brand supply a balance of form and function via authentic ideas and technical capabilities. Bold and boundless prints, durable fabrics and relaxed silhouettes designed with technical details have earned South2 West8 their reputation of a trustworthy brand. We’re backing the Hunting Parka and String Trouser/Skirt this season, a more city-friendly option inspired by the great outdoors.
Needles’ biggest selling point is arguably their rebuild series, a chopped & screwed take on garment re-using, re-appropriation, and re-appreciation. 7 shirts are better than 1. Perhaps more appropriate than ever before, with more and more major fashion labels investing in more eco-friendly techniques and fabrics, Needles have been ahead of this for some time now. From a consumer point of view, the ability to buy an item that is brand new to you, but has been loved by previous owners before you is pretty cool. Pairing American and Japanese influences, Needles merges traditional styles with a modern, avant-garde outlook. The newly introduced tie-dye styles this season have really hit the nail on the head for us.
