Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Men’s Collections, Kim Jones, has finally released a first look at his upcoming collaboration with Nike. Set to fully release in July 2017, the collection most notably focuses on the reworking of the immensely popular Windrunner, and Nike Air Zoom.

As Nike is now one of the most successful clothing companies in the world, surpassing iconic brands like Louis Vuitton in Forbes List recently, there’s no surprise some of the biggest names in fashion are being recruited for their talents. This is just the fourth in a series of summer releases, preparing consumers and athletes for the upcoming Rio Olympics. Other series boast an incredible line-up with Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci, Undercover’s Jun Takashi, and tennis super-star Roger Federer. 

In approaching the new collection with Nikelab, Kim Jones focuses primarily on modern and comfortable takes on the traditional athletic outfit and travel kit. Better than most, Jones understands the need for every traveler to have a wardrobe that packs easily and looks fashionable.  

In order to achieve the light-weight design Jones had in mind, the new Windrunner is made with a single piece of fabric, and can be folded into a miniature pouch. Using heat tapping, the team has managed to eliminate virtually all seams, which any dedicated athlete will tell you, is the bane of their existence.

In a recent interview, Kurt Parker VP of Nikelab Apparel, revealed to HighSnobiety that “The number one thing we hear from athletes is that any seam or ridge on the garment disrupts their flow. So we try to create a zero-distraction environment, and this might be the ultimate expression. Kim’s insight on eliminating the seams for packability actually led us onto a garment with far less seams than we would have created on our own.”

In respects to sneakers, Jones will also release a hybrid between the original Zoom 95 and the Air Max 1 on July 23. Jones revealed recently that the upcoming sneaker will only be sold at select NikeLab stores, and as a result, expect long lines. This collaboration is an obvious fit as Jones himself is a “sneakerhead” and owns a personal collection rumored to range between 500-600 pairs. With Nike at the forefront of sneaker technology, its hardly a surprise that these teams have successfully managed to bring luxury fashion and professional performance gear into a unique and beautiful harmony.

The consequence of a seemingly match made in athletic-wear-heaven, between Louis Vuitton’s Kim Jones and Nikelab, is the further solidification of sportswear and shoes as a quickly rising staple in the world of luxury fashion. While this concept is still in many ways just entering its infancy, the potential for collaborations between the high-fashion community and the worlds athletic giants are limitless. Adidas, Puma and Reebok are similarly aiding this movement, however there is no argument on who is leading the charge.

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That’s right, here we have the new cover art for Watch The Throne‘s next single, “Otis.” It’s been designed by Riccardo Tisci, the designer for Givenchy and the illustrator for Watch The Throne‘s cover art for the album and the first single, “H.A.M.”

A few months ago, Complex did a feature about the designer. Here are the facts I found most important about the artist:

• Riccardo Tisci went to the prestigious design school, Central Saint Martins in London. Other fashion prodigies such as Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Phoebe Philo have also attended the authoritative college.

• He’s responsible for designing the menswear, womenswear, haute couture, and accessories for Givenchy and is acclaimed for breathing new life to the design house with his romanticism and dark Gothic touches.

•He says the hip-hop world is similar to his: “The self-confidence, not being scared of anything. I love dodgy people, dodgy situations! The obsession of beauty.”

• Tisci has an affinity to using studs and stars in his clothing (Kanye seems to like this too).

You can see how that last point translated into the work Tisci did on this album. The album cover artwork is all studs and the artwork for “Otis” features the American flag in a way that makes the stars a much bigger portion than is normal.

Check out the precious Kanye x Jay-Z-related pieces that Tisci worked on:

Via Complex.

The post Album Artwork: Riccardo Tisci appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

One of the most anticipated albums of the summer finally gives us some reliable information.

First, we have the gilded album cover designed by artist Riccardo Tisci, an Italian fashion designer who is currently the creative director of Givenchy. ‘Ye and Jay went fancy for this one. And of course, no names or explanations are necessary because who else besides for the kings of hip-hop would make a gold plated album cover. The glimmer speaks only of Hov and Yeezy.

The album is set to drop on August 2nd and can be pre-ordered here.

Hold on tight hip-hop heads because this one is almost sure to be a game changer.

The post Watch The Throne Album Cover and Release Date appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

One of the most popular pieces from Riccardo Tisci‘s last collection with Givenchy is undeniably the ‘Rottweiler’ series. Kanye West rocked it soon after the show debuted during Fashion Week earlier this year, leaving us wanting one for ourselves ASAP. Well now, you too can cop the shirt ($265) and the sweater ($960) at Ssense. If they’re out of your size there, check Colette. Move fast, because we’re sure these shirts won’t stick around long.

Via Complex

The post Kanye West’s ‘Rottweiler’ Shirt Is Now Available appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.