South2 West8 previews its Fall/Winter 2022 collection
The NEPENTHES label draws heavily from the deep backwoods with hunting camo, kaleidoscopic prints, and outdoor utility throughout
Founded in 2003 in the Northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, South2 West8 is the brainchild of creative director, Kaname Nagaoka and counts Japanese fly fishing ("Tenkara") attire and equipment as its main focus.
With the explosion in outdoor technical fashion over the past decade or so, the brand has continued to push out innovative collections inspired by time spent along the mountain riverbanks of Northern Japan, but that feel equally at home down at the skate park. This crossover appeal is a part of the brand's genius.
Always innovating, for Fall/Winter 2022-23 the brand continues to push forward with a distinctive and playful aesthetic. We present some of the key looks from the collection.
Bold, autumnal hand-painted hunting camo prints appear throughout, along with floral and tradional Japanese Uroko-themed patterns that show the collection's softer side.
Overhead smocks, fleeces, and ponchos re-enforce the practical, outdoor vibes. Soft mohair-blend knit cardigans and jerseys are cut slightly oversize.
An abundance of clever pocket and accessory loop placing on the vests and jackets is both tongue-in-cheek and practical - re-working the concept of the brand's original Tenkara Fishing Parka.
Branded "stag's head" jacquard weave designs are subtle and beautiful, nicely juxtaposing with the rugged military details we see on other pieces.
You can see the full lookbook on the South2 West8 website (Japanese).
The exhibition for buyers will be held in Tokyo from Feb 28th - Mar 4th 2022. Online stockists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks but should include Nepenthes New York and END Clothing.
All images are copyright South2 West8 and Nepenthes.