Japanese Label SOUTH2 WEST8 Drops Striking SS22 Collection

NEPENTHES label SOUTH2 WEST8 has returned to share its latest offerings for Spring/Summer 2022, with the Japanese label has put together a new variety of wares defined by an eye-catching outdoor style.

Founded in 2002 by Kaname Nagaoka, SOUTH2 WEST8 began its life as an independent retailer before developing into a fully-fledged clothing brand. Inspired by the art of Tenkara fly fishing, the Hokkaido-based label cites Nagaoka’s love of Heavy Duty Ivy, a ‘70s proto-menswear subculture of Japanese outdoor gear, as the foundations for its utility and technical-led apparel which is often designed to be worn during fishing excursions and city-friendly life.

Untethered by its common customs, SOUTH2 WEST8 is best known for its traditional elevated separates—think pocket-heavy outerwear, printed shirts and relaxed trousers—and a fierce attention to detail. Consistently producing pocket-heavy, utilitarian layers which parallel the technicality of the sport, today, the label stands as one of the most visually striking brands on the market, landing with the likes of and WANDER, Porter Yoshida & Co. and heritage outdoor enthusiasts, Snow Peak. 

Highlighting the brand’s latest collection is the Weather Effect Jacket, a parka-style outdoor-ready jacket complete with a waterproof and breathable three-layer construction, and a long-sleeve top which has been made using layered polyester mesh to create an almost holographic all-over print. The brand’s Round Pocket shirt also catches the eye, along with a coach jacket that has been decorated with a contrasting screen-printed logo at the front and a circular motif built up from individual antlers on the back.