It’s impossible to talk about Harajuku street fashion without mentioning UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi and WTAPS’ Tetsu Nishimiya. Mingling in the nascent 90’s Harajuku streetwear scene, which had a penchant for punk and Western hip-hop, the two were active members of the subculture alongside peers like NIGO and Hiroshi Fujiwara. Though the pair had collaborative projects in the early 2000s, their close relations were hidden from the masses for a substantial time. It took two decades before they came together again for a capsule in January this year.

And it seems like the initial reunion has sparked some old feelings — UNDERCOVER and WTAPS are issuing their second collection at the tail end of Summer. Part of the “ONE ON ONE” project, this ensuing capsule is concise but encompassing of both brands’ visual identity. Atop a monotone color palette, “ONE ON ONE” patches and labels are stitched onto the range of tees, sweatshirts and bucket hats. These patches are akin to garment labels, lending the outfits an everted feel that is chic in its subversion.

As sneakerheads, our personal star of the collection is the accompanying co-branded Converse Chuck Taylor Z HI with technical enhancements. With a side zipper that makes the shoe an easy slip-in, it channels a militant-esque look that WTAPS built its core identity on. Logos are printed prominently on the sides, branding your every step.

The UNDERCOVER x WTAPS apparel line will have an earlier drop on 17 September while the joint UNDERCOVER x WTAPS Converse Chuck Taylor Z HI will see the light on 1 October. Retail prices will likely follow as we approach the launch date.

In other collaborative news, Dime works its luxe magic on the Vans Half Cab.