The chemistry between fashion and football is no surprise these days. Proof is that less than a month before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, adidas called on NIGO, the founder of BAPE and artistic director of KENZO, to design the third kit for the Japanese Football Association.
Inspired by Japanese culture, such as the cherry blossom, considered the representative flower of the Land of the Rising Sun, and sakuramochi, one of Japan‘s favorite sweet treats, the collection features a rather soft palette, with its touches of pink and green (officially “wonder mauve” and “crew green”) and minimalist design.
“I want soccer to take root as a deeper culture through the Japanese national soccer team,” said NIGO.
The collection includes twelve items, ranging from jerseys to t-shirts, shorts, tracksuits and various sports accessories.
Each piece features a cherry blossom design, consisting of five iconic NIGO heart petals as well as the adidas and JFA (Japan Football Association) logos. As the key piece, the numbered jersey bears the number “22”, echoing the 2022 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, all football jerseys in the collection will have the OGIN signature engraved on the inside of the collar.
Although it is a World Cup-inspired kit, it will unfortunately not be worn by the Japan Football team in Qatar, its purpose instead being used for pre-match at pre-tournament friendlies.
“It is my hope that beyond any boundaries, between players and supporters or one nation and the rest of the world, we all can unite under football and share a common joy,” NIGO further expressed.
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The collection is available for pre-order now, at this address, and will be available for purchase from October 28.
Click on this link to read this article in French version.
