In 2022, social media’s fashionfluencers pushed an influx of workwear into street fashion, with two main brands at its epicentre making waves — Carhartt and Dickies. Dickies, in particular, took an unexpected turn into luxury high fashion by pairing up with the opulent Gucci and their flashy studs. Propelling forward this lavish move into the upper rungs of the fashionworld is the brand’s latest collaborative with mastermind Japan.

Streetwear lovers with a taste for luxe pieces (and deep enough pockets to sustain it) will be familiar with the fact that mastermind Japan has a comfortable seat in the higher tiers of its category. Straightforward tees generally start at US$500 while more complex garments can range in the thousands. Its aesthetic is firmly rooted in the punk scene, with crossbones and skulls being the label’s central motifs. Given mastermind’s collaborative track record, it’s no surprise that this ghoulish visual identity carries forward onto Dickies’ durable wear to form the meat of this collection.

Namely, the popular Eisenhower Jacket and classic Work Pants has been remade into a black tracksuit-like set, with co-branding and crossbones on the back. It’s classic mastermind, but reinforced with workwear strength. For casual days, co-branded hoodies and tees are also available with similar prints.

This Dickies x mastermind Japan collection will make its appearance in the new year on 3 Jan 2023. While retail prices are kept under wraps presently, a quick look into the two brand’s past escapades lead us to believe that pieces will range from US$80 to US$300. For mastermind fans, this collaborative effort is perhaps an easier access to the brand’s iconic skulls at half its usual pricing. For more images of this brooding collection, check out the slider gallery above.

In other collaborations with Japanese brands, Needles gives Reebok butterflies.