Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto Continue to Explore the Intersection of the Athletic and the Avant Garde
Y-3 has announced the launch of its Fall 2024 collection. The latest offering from the longstanding collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas continues to push its exploration of technical sportswear and the master designer’s embodiment of avant-garde design.
This season forms the second iteration of the “Contra-Natural” narrative established in Spring 2024. As Y-3 seeks further inspiration at the intersection between the organic and the synthetic, the narrative advances and undulates, this time shifting to the concept of “Hyper-Natural.”
The apparel selection is driven by a conceptual pulse that explores that which is visible in nature and yet invisible to the human eye. Ultraviolet graphics, imperfect lines, and transparent layers are all brought to life through Yohji Yamamoto’s expressive silhouettes. Chapter One is highlighted by an array of elegant knitwear pieces with see through panels including a dress, an asymmetrical top, a vest, and a track top. The second seasonal chapter, meanwhile, features Y-3 staples adorned with an ultraviolet bird graphic. The collection’s final apparel drop is then completed with the introduction of an experimental printed execution which sees the label apply a tie dye finish to a woven nylon base fabric with a flock print.
The approach continues across foundational footwear; Chapter One sees the brand expand and update its selection of adidas icons. This season, Yohji’s renegade vision is brought to the Y-3 JAPAN made up in premium leather, and the Y-3 ULTRABOOST 5, as well as the Y-3 PRO MODEL which boasts a full suede upper. Chapter Two, meanwhile, plays host to a celebration of 50 years of one of adidas’ most revered silhouettes, with the Y-3 NIZZA arriving in both high and low constructions, each featuring a completely removable lightstrike insole. In addition, the second seasonal drop sees adidas and Yohji Yamamoto introduce the Y-3 LS VINTAGE RUN, which daringly collides aesthetic cues from different eras of running silhouettes. The footwear selection highlights are then completed by the brand new subversive Y-3 KYASU OVERBOOT, first introduced on the runway during Yohji Yamamoto’s mainline Fall 2023 presentation. Available in two unique high cut looks, the expressive silhouette is visually defined by a sleek full leather outer boot that can be unzipped to reveal a KYASU mule which the wearer is invited to wear independently as a separate shoe.
As is customary, Y-3 also takes the seasonal thematic focus, and applies it to a suite of accessories. Highlights include super lightweight nylon backpacks, shoulder bags, and a sacoche, as well as soft leather totes, lanyards, and cross body bags.
Seeking to compliment the seasonal narrative, Y-3 continues to expand its running imprint, with a head-to-toe selection of performance styles. Apparel highlights include tights, shorts, and jackets, while the footwear selection sees Y-3 introduce the next iteration of the Takumi Sen with the Y-3 TAKUMI SEN 10, as well an updated take on the Y-3 ADIOS PRO 3.0, and a triple black version of adidas’ disruptive Y-3 PRIME X 2 STRUNG.
