If teaming up with creative cohorts was a sport, MCM is at the top of its game — so it should come as no surprise that the brand is back with yet another exciting collaboration.
For MCM, Asia, and specifically Japan, has been a hotspot for following and inspiration. One label in particular that stood out for MCM years ago, which remains close to the German fashion house, is the Japanese street-cult brand, PHENOMENON. Following a series of highly successful collections with PHENOMENON, MCM introduces its new, exciting drop with the brand that sees East meet West.
PHENOMENON debuted back in 2004, thanks to Japanese musician Takeshi Osumi, also known as BIG-O. First stepping onto the scene as a member of the hip-hop group SHAKKAZOMBIE in 1996, Osumi was a prominent figure in Japanese, street, fashion, and music culture.
With its ideas rooted in hip-hop and an approach to materiality that pushed the boat out when it came to contemporary design, PHENOMENON has achieved G.O.A.T. status among archivists and cultural insiders as one of the first labels to merge the worlds of luxury and streetwear.
2010 was a solid year for PHENOMENON, who not only hit the runway for Tokyo Fashion Week but commenced its partnership with MCM. With both brands sharing a love of street culture and the 90s era, it was a no-brainer when it came to the question of whether or not their sartorial relationship would be symbiotic.
The latest MCM by PHENOMENON collection designed by Osumi was curated and released in honor of the founder himself, who sadly passed away early last year. Inspired by a tiger-camo pattern married with MCM’s iconic Cognac Visetos, the collection is bold, multi-faceted, and full of vigor — the perfect ode to the avant-garde creative behind it all.
The pieces show the zeitgeist of polarity in a subtle way — how? Well, the collection merges PHENOMENON’s past and future by combining previously used materials with new concepts and MCM’s DNA, not to mention the blending of East and West through the textures and patterns. Triangular motifs meet the tiger print in the accessories such as the coin case and clutch bag. Riders, army jackets, sneakers, and baseball caps complete the collection, with each piece crafted with MCM’s luxury detailing in mind.
New shapes have also been added, including the messenger bag and zip around small wallet, and for the geek-chic gadget lovers out there, the bold iPad and iPhone holders in Cognac or tiger-camo print fuse elegance and functionality with a bit of edge.
For PHENOMENON, who stopped presenting collections at the end of 2016, this collaboration with MCM marks a revival for the street brand, shining a spotlight on its success and buzzing energy. The limited-edition collection is available exclusively in selected stores and MCM flagship boutiques worldwide.
