Verdy & Nigo
VERDY, the visionary designer behind cult brands Girls Don't Cry and Wasted Youth, has been officially named as the new Creative Partner of the company.
This strategic alliance comes on the heels of HUMAN MADE's previous high-profile collaborations with art world titan KAWS and music mogul Pharrell Williams. The inclusion of VERDY, known for his iconic characters VICK and VISTY, as well as his distinctive aesthetic that bridges street culture and high fashion, signals a bold new chapter for the brand.
NIGO, the legendary founder and Creative Director of HUMAN MADE, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "I've had the pleasure of spending considerable time with VERDY. He's undoubtedly become the face of Tokyo's streetwear scene and arguably the most influential Japanese artist on the global stage. His trajectory reminds me of my own earlier days. I'm beyond excited to see how his unique talent and vision will elevate HUMAN MADE to new heights."
The collaboration between NIGO and VERDY is not a newfound alliance but rather the formalization of a long-standing friendship and mutual admiration. The duo has previously joined forces on various projects, including collections for retail giant UNIQLO and luxury fashion house KENZO. They also co-created the avant-garde concept store OTSUMO PLAZA in Tokyo's trendy Aoyama district, showcasing their shared passion for pushing creative boundaries.
VERDY, whose rise in the fashion world has been nothing short of meteoric, shared his thoughts on joining HUMAN MADE: "I've looked up to NIGO since I was just a kid. His work has been a constant source of inspiration throughout our numerous collaborations. NIGO's dedication to the minutiae of HUMAN MADE's creations is truly remarkable. This brand consistently brings fresh ideas to life, appreciated by those who recognize genuine product value. It's an honor to step into the role of Creative Partner at HUMAN MADE, and I'm eager to explore future possibilities and share them with the world."
Industry insiders speculate that this partnership could lead to groundbreaking collections that blend HUMAN MADE's classic Americana-inspired aesthetics with VERDY's contemporary street art influences. The fusion of these two creative forces is expected to result in highly sought-after limited-edition drops and potential collaborations with other brands and artists within their extensive networks.
As the streetwear landscape continues to evolve, with luxury fashion houses increasingly tapping into the market, HUMAN MADE's latest move positions the brand at the forefront of innovation. By bringing together diverse talents like KAWS, Pharrell Williams, and now VERDY, NIGO is crafting a creative think tank that could redefine the boundaries of street fashion and popular culture.
While specific details about upcoming projects remain under wraps, fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the fruits of this new partnership. As HUMAN MADE continues to expand its global footprint, the addition of VERDY to its creative arsenal promises an exciting future filled with fresh perspectives and boundary-pushing designs.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.