Old-School Japanese Militaria, Remixed By the New-School Queen
WTAPS and Sacai's latest link-up is old school meets new school.
The two brands represent opposite sides of the streetwear spectrum. Where Tetsu Nishiyama's WTAPS favors simple designs and military-inspired garments, Sacai's Chitose Abe opts for multi-dimensional patterns and experimental silhouettes.
When you combine these opposing aesthetics, you get a collection that’s both wearable and innovative.
This fusion manifests in the form of utility-style jackets made sublime by tonal layering that gives the illusion of two jackets in one — a Sacai speciality. Army-flavored cotton blazers and cargo pants are spruced up with elevated tailoring and silk accents.
Crisp white T-shirts and dual-branded hoodies add an additional layer of functionality to the collection.
The push and pull between each brand’s established design language creates just enough stylistic friction to make the collection exciting.
WTAPS does practicality well, as seen with its hard-wearing snowwear collaboration with Vans and its beautifully normal New Balance dad shoe. WTAPS is a no-frill brand through and through. To see it in such an uncharacteristically fashion-forward light isn’t just refreshing — it also highlights another one of the best parts of contemporary streetwear: elevated collabs that bring out the best in both brands.
