Max Vadukul/Y-3
Y-3, the avant-garde partnership between adidas and visionary designer Yohji Yamamoto, is making a triumphant return to the Big Apple for its Fall/Winter 2024 collection. This homecoming marks a significant moment for the brand, which has spent years cultivating a global identity while showcasing in fashion capitals like Paris and Tokyo.
Aptly titled "A Love Letter to New York," the new collection pays homage to the city's gritty elegance and indomitable spirit. The decision to return to New York is particularly poignant, as it was here that Y-3 first made its mark on the fashion world during New York Fashion Week in the early 2010s.
To capture the essence of this collection, Y-3 enlisted the talents of renowned photographer Max Vadukul. His connection to both the brand and the city runs deep, having photographed Yamamoto's groundbreaking Fall/Winter collection in New York back in 1984. Vadukul's signature black-and-white aesthetic provides a striking backdrop for the campaign, with the iconic New York skyline serving as a dynamic canvas.
The campaign features two of fashion's most intriguing personalities: model and musician Gabbriette, known for her edgy style and multifaceted artistic pursuits, and A$AP Nast, a key figure in the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob and a respected voice in contemporary fashion. Their selection underscores Y-3's commitment to blending high fashion with street culture.
The collection itself is a masterclass in urban sophistication, emphasizing movement, scale, and uniformity. It draws inspiration from the quintessential "New York uniform" – all black, effortlessly cool, and infinitely adaptable. Standout pieces include a dramatic long black trench coat worn by Gabbriette, layered over a tracksuit jacket and paired with platform leather boots featuring adidas' iconic Three Stripes. In another striking ensemble, she dons a daring single-sleeved mesh dress complemented by platform Superstars, showcasing the brand's ability to reimagine classic sportswear elements.
A$AP Nast embodies the collection's masculine edge, sporting the same statement platform boots with a leather peacoat featuring a distinctive hood, layered atop a Y-3 jacket. Each garment in the collection bears the hallmarks of Yamamoto's design philosophy – elegant yet dramatic, with a penchant for oversized tailoring that challenges conventional silhouettes.
Reflecting on the shoot, Vadukul shared, "Shooting for Y-3 in New York felt like returning home. The city's architectural grandeur and diverse people continue to inspire my black-and-white photography. The essence of my photography lies in this interplay, making each visit to New York an inspiring and creatively fulfilling experience."
This collection not only celebrates Y-3's return to its New York roots but also reaffirms the brand's position at the forefront of fashion innovation. By blending adidas' sportswear expertise with Yamamoto's avant-garde vision, Y-3 continues to push boundaries and redefine urban style for a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
Max Vadukul/Y-3
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.