GU x UNDERCOVER 4th edition, how do you wear it?
-Since the first collaboration in 2021, the second and third collaborations have been held, and this is the fourth. As I mentioned earlier, it is not hard to imagine that the past collaborative collections have received quite a response. You must have been surprised at the time of their release.
Target area:This may be true from the perspective of about 20 years ago, but in today's age of 2025, I think it was rather inevitable.
TEPPEI:Undercover" is also collaborating with various partners, not limited to "g.u.
-This collection was created based on the concept of "comfortable noise in everyday life. One item that can be considered as an introduction to the collection is this crew-neck sweater with the title of the collection on it.
Crew neck sweater ¥3,990 each
SYUNKI:Nice.
TEPPEI:I guess the key point is the title. Generally, "COSMIC" is the correct spelling, but this is "KOSMIK. And the waveform is designed under it.
Target area:That too is a "dare," isn't it? It is an expression of the sense of discomfort in everyday life.
TEPPEI:The word "KOSMIK" is original to you, and is also used in your music playlist and the title of the Undercover art exhibition.
-"Just like that!" graphics. Now that you have seen this lineup, what are your honest impressions?
Johnny:It's so cool! I know it sounds weird, but it's just plain cool! Aren't you too happy to get it at such a price?
-The heaviest outerwear item costs 9,990 yen including tax. We are sure you will discover something new when you actually hold the items in your hands.
SYUNKI:The gimmick of being able to take off the sleeves and the foam print, and still be able to get it at this price point, is something only possible through a collaboration with "g.u.".
Target area:Normally, if the price is low, the quality should be commensurate with the price, but in a good sense, the price does not match the quality (laughs). This is something that needs to spread more widely.
TEPPEI:It really is. Originally, "Undercover" was a local connection or something for people who were interested in the brand, but by collaborating with "g.u." after 30 years, the base of the brand has been further expanded. I think this project has great significance.
-We asked each of you to choose one item of interest to you and style it as well.
PICK UP ITEM 01
track jacket
Track jacket ¥3,990
Accented with tape on the sleeves and logo embroidery on the chest. Double-faced material with a smooth hand and moderate firmness is used for a relaxed fit with just the right amount of room. Can be worn as a set-up with track pants made of the same material.
-Why did Mr. SYUNKI choose this item?
SYUNKI:It is all about the GIZ pattern on the side line. I also have this motif engraved on my arm, and it was through Kitamura-san (Nobuhiko Kitamura, designer of "Hysteric Glamour") that I was able to meet Jonio-san and establish a friendship with him. And because I am running my own brand, I know that it costs a lot to make original tapes like this.
-What is the point of styling?
SYUNKI:Because of the loose fit and relaxed texture of the fabric, I paired the bottoms with skirted slacks and the nonnative×UNDERCOVER×GUIDI collaborative boots that I have been wearing every day recently. I guess I really incorporated them into my usual style.
Johnny:That's stylish.
Target area:That's what a designer does. The power of persuasion is different.
-Mr. Jun Takahashi also mentioned that the track jacket is one of the challenging items in this collection.
SYUNKI:It is true that Undercover does not have an image of sporty jerseys like this. Besides, this material is very comfortable to the touch.
TEPPEI:And it's a set-up. The fact that the zipper is also original is also amazing.
PICK UP ITEM 02
jacket with team's logo
Stadium jumper ¥6,990
The g.u. collection is a combination of different materials, such as cozy melton with a wool-like texture and synthetic leather, which g.u. also uses in its in-line outerwear. The front has a message and wave graphic, and the back has the collection title. It is fully lined, so it is perfect for a lightweight jacket in the early fall.
-TEPPEI, you chose the stadium jumper.
TEPPEI:The first reason I chose it is that it fits in with my usual style. The other reason is the graphic impact. The embroidery has a beautiful edge, and although there is another monotone color with black as the base color, the navy leather sleeves and burgundy body is a color scheme that is difficult to come by even for designer brands, so I thought it would be good to go for it in a hard-core style. And it's only 6,990 yen.
Target area:No way! That's the cost of one drink.
SYUNKI:And yet the chest part is a combination of print and embroidery. The back is embroidered with sagara...it's amazing (laughs).
-Please tell us about the way you dress.
TEPPEI:The premise of this collaboration with "g.u." was that I wanted to enjoy it, and while SYUNKI's style had a strong cultural flavor, I wanted to incorporate it into my own wardrobe without hesitation. I was conscious of creating a dull tricolor color scheme, utilizing the color scheme of the jacket and shifting the tone with the addition of white.
-That's true, the mix is very interesting.
TEPPEI:The recent g.u. inline line has a school or preppy taste, but this stadium jacket is not exactly as it is, but rather it is still ambiguous in a good way, so I thought it would be easy to incorporate into my everyday wardrobe.
PICK UP ITEM 03
cable cardigan
Cable cardigan ¥4,990
The three-dimensional cable-knit low-gauge cardigan with a zip is an interesting and unexpected feature. The inside-out design, in which the seam allowance is dared to be partially exposed, is also a highlight of this work.
-Mr. Matoba is wearing a cable cardigan, and he looks very comfortable with it.
Target area:When I saw the lineup, I chose this item because I wanted to wear it with my everyday style. The colors are nice, and the low gauge gives it a calmness that I thought would be appropriate for my age. I felt that this item would be easily accepted by people who are not familiar with Undercover.
-The front is a zip-and-button design.
Target area:It can be worn open in the front to show off the graphics of the inner lining, or closed tightly with a shirt or something.
-What is the point of styling?
Target area:I chose it on the assumption that it would go with my usual outfit, so I tried to match it with my usual style and similar colors. However, I think it's seriously impossible for this to be priced at 4,990 yen! Because it's cheaper than a street brand T-shirt (laughs).
TEPPEI:It fits him so well, I'm not surprised he raves about it. In fact, it is so familiar that I almost said to Ryohei, "Ryohei, why don't you change your clothes?
SYUNKI:The clothes are really very natural, or rather, they fit naturally with the person's style.
Johnny:This is great! I'm really going to buy this one.
Target area:Let's line up together (laughs).
Johnny:I was also asked to follow closely for this interview.
PICK UP ITEM 04
Heat padded convertible coat
Heat padded convertible coat ¥9,990
Nylon military coat with padding for high heat retention. The 2-way design allows it to be worn as a blouson by removing the zipper at the waist. It is also equipped with a water repellent function.
-Johnny, you are a heat padded convertible coat.
Johnny:You may not have that image, but I wear coats all winter. So I wanted to wear the heaviest item I could find, so I chose this one. As you can tell by trying it on, it's the warmest and best.
-I heard that you had a hard time with color variations.
Johnny:I tried three coordinated combinations, and after much deliberation, I decided on the color black. The hem can be detached and worn as a blouson. I tried it on, and both were great looking. And when I heard that it has a water repellent function, I couldn't help but say, "You're kidding! (laugh).
-The styling is also very Johnny's style with the red color.
Johnny:Military coats with hoods like this, you want to throw it on with a bang, don't you? So I made the size XL and it looks good. By the way, the badge on the vest I wore inside happened to be from Undercover. Thank you g.u. and Undercover for making me feel warm inside and out!
TEPPEI:This coat is based on the N-2B design, right? I heard that it was arranged to be a blouson as well. I saw Johnny wearing it with half of the hem part almost removed earlier, and I thought that was a good idea.
Target area:I think we can change it up and play with the styling.
