Union continues its 30th-anniversary celebrations with yet another exclusive capsule. For the second installment, Union has tapped Noah; a brand that owes a lot to the Los Angeles stalwart.
When Union opened its doors on Spring Street in 1991, it changed the retail landscape, but it also changed the lives of Noah's founders, Brendon and Estelle Babenzien. The couple was introduced by Chris Gibbs and Beth Birkett, the founders of Union. ”This connection makes this one of our most personal collaborations to date,” the brand shared on Instagram. “Needless to say, Noah and Union are truly family in every sense of the word.”
Speaking on Union's legacy Brendon Babenzien reminisced, “Union became one of the absolute musts when my friends and I took the LIRR to NYC to skate. It was the most pioneering store we had seen. Union was the origin point for everything that came after.” He added, “They inspire us and I can say for sure that their genuine nature and creative approach to life is what has allowed Union to lead and endure for three decades.”
“I love everything Union stands for and represents. I’m so ecstatic, but not surprised, they’ve reached 30 years (it gives me inspiration!)” said Estelle Babenzien, “Union is the new classic; a heritage brand. I’m very much looking forward to the next 30 years!”
Speaking to Highsnobiety earlier this year, Gibbs explained, "For our 30 year anniversary we thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate this “streetwear moment” in true streetwear style; the collaboration.”
Noah and Union have teamed up on an exclusive collection of hoodies and tees that celebrate the singular identities of both parties. The co-branded pieces commemorate historical Black figures including Alexandre Dumas — author of classics such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Keep an eye out for more Union collabs throughout the year. The plan, Gibbs tells us, is loose. It's likely to be one to two capsules per month and the pace will pick up towards the end of the year, and then they'll crank “the heat up and end with a bang.”
The 30th-anniversary capsule arrives on Union’s website, NOAH’s web store, and both brands’ storefronts on April 15.
