K-Way® and Play Comme des Garçons advance their enduring collaboration with a new capsule collection, spotlighting two versions of the iconic Le Vrai jacket. Offered in gold and black, the jackets debut Nylon 4.0 – a high-performance, technologically advanced fabric engineered for enhanced durability and comfort. The design remains true to the original, preserving the minimalist aesthetic that defines both brands.
Visual Campaign by Keizo Kitajima
The launch is accompanied by a visual campaign photographed by the iconic Keizo Kitajima, whose work is recognized for its bold, contemporary edge. Kitajima’s involvement brings a distinctly Japanese visual narrative to the campaign, capturing the jackets’ innovative material and functional design in striking detail.
Keizo Kitajima (b. 1954, Suzaka, Nagano) is a pivotal figure in Japanese photography, celebrated for his raw, grainy black-and-white images that capture the pulse of urban life. Initially recognized for his street photography in Tokyo and Okinawa, Kitajima’s reputation expanded internationally with his evocative work in New York during 1981–82. His acclaimed series, “Untitled, from the series New York,” reveals a city alive with contrasts, juxtapositions of exuberance and desolation, nightlife energy and quiet isolation.
Kitajima’s early mentorship under Daido Moriyama shaped his approach, earning him the moniker “a street killer in broad daylight.” In 1976, he co-founded Image Shop CAMP in Shinjuku, an experimental hub for photographers before the gallery system took hold. His series “Photo Express” (1979) blurred the lines between performance and photography, with Kitajima producing wall-sized prints in public and distributing instant booklets.
His New York photo book (1982) won the prestigious Kimura Ihei Award, while his work continues to be exhibited worldwide, including at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. In 2022, Kitajima received the 41st Domon Ken Award for his publication UNTITLED RECORDS, further cementing his legacy in contemporary photography.
Design and Fabric Innovation
While the silhouette of the Le Vrai jacket is unchanged, the shift to Nylon 4.0 marks a significant upgrade. This new material offers improved water resistance, breathability, and lightweight wear, aligning with the needs of both urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. The color palette, gold and black, emphasizes versatility and style, appealing to a broad demographic.
Founded in the 1960s, K-Way has established itself as a symbol of functional fashion. The brand gained popularity in the 1970s and 80s with its colorful, packable rain jackets, and continues to innovate with advanced fabrics and bold design. With a presence in over 20 countries, K-Way serves a diverse clientele, from adventure seekers to style-conscious city dwellers. Play Comme des Garçons is the casual, iconic line from the renowned Japanese fashion house, known for its playful heart logo and minimalist approach. The brand frequently collaborates with other industry leaders, bringing unique, limited-edition pieces to the global market.
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The K-Way® x Play Comme des Garçons capsule will be available through Comme des Garçons’ official channels, Dover Street Market, and selected retailers worldwide. This distribution approach ensures accessibility for a global audience, reinforcing the brands’ shared commitment to both exclusivity and reach.
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