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BETTER TOGETHER

Our five most popular collabs (not chosen by us)

The North Face Talk UK/EU Facebook Group is dedicated to buying, selling, trading and discussing all things The North Face. Founded five years ago, it now has almost 30,000 members. Liam Coulcher, one of the page’s administers has been a solid TNF fan for more than a decade. As such, he as a pretty in-depth knowledge of our most iconic and sought-after products as well as the development of our urban lines, often launched in collaboration with other leading streetwear brands. So we asked him for his top five The North Face collabs, saving the best ‘til last. 

 

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5. BRAIN DEAD

“If you needed any further affirmation that The North Face has become a means for creative expression, see Brain Dead’s use of a range of products as a canvas for unique, psychedelic, graphic prints. What stood out to us was the Denali, with its colour-blocked fabric and yellow zip pulls. The golden embroidery of the TNF and Brain Dead logos were a lovely final touch.

Aside from the products themselves, the lookbook and accompanying films were absolutely mesmerising. Acidic hues and atmospheric chaos present a third-eye vision of what Brain Dead founder, Kyle Ng, describes as a ‘reimagined concept of the expedition’.”

 

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4. Black Series – Kazuki Karaishi

This is what happens when you drag the tech-infused Black Series, kicking and screaming through Ura-Harajuku. Here we meet Kazuki Karaishi, a design fiend that’s made his way through the netherworld of Fragment and VISVIM. Part 2 of his capsule collection sees the Mountain Light getting a rework, resulting in one of our favourite pieces to date.

It’s the little brother of the Mountain Jacket, with a pattern that allows for greater modification to the front. Here, Karaishi adds multiple cargo pockets, with all the Mil-Spec straps and clips you’d expect. Such a simple change creates an intimidating yet calculated silhouette, finished in the timeless olive/black colourway with tonal logo.”

 

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3. Junya Watanabe

We stay in Tokyo for our next on the list, one where Watanbe-san clearly has no time for putting straps over his shoulders when heading out for the day. The design fuses a Terra 65 Backpack into the rear of the jacket itself, as well as adding subtle cues to the men’s wear heritage of its creator.

You’ll spot the corduroy elbow patches, as well as the more tailored sleeves finished with a buttoned cuff. A series of earthy tones compliments the jacket, altogether placing it comfortably alongside the Japanese streetwear catalogue of military garb.”

 

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2. Extra Butter

By 2018, The North Face populates a duality of landscape. Its presence is felt across cities worldwide, seen on rooftops and standing boldly on the pavement. As a celebration of the skyline, Extra Butter created a series of jackets and bags entitled Night Crawlers.  

Unrestrained branding features on the sleeves and hood of the Stetler Jacket, while the Nupste is an uninterrupted showcase of the Big Apple after dark. What’s loved so much about these designs is how they blend in with their surroundings, not just as a reflection, but as a part of the environment itself.” 

 

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1. Supreme – First Series

This is arguably one of the most iconic collaborations of all time. It came in 2007, when Supreme was on the cusp of becoming the biggest name in New York, Tokyo and London. It was only right for this jacket to be lined with an obnoxious leopard print.

It’s the tan/purple version that frames this collaboration best for me. Bright colour-blocking meets cleaner, neutral tones, like an après ski party held in the moody basement of a London club. The result of every partnership should show signature characteristics of both names, and this does exactly that.”