Fashion collabs belong to the same sect as football managers, relationships and holidays. In that they’re generally never quite as good the second time around. We’re not quite sure why – perhaps it’s laziness, or complacency – but these things never seem to cut the mustard quite the same when you go in for a second helping.
This latest JJJJound & DESCENTE All Terrain collab is challenging the narrative, though. In the same kind of way that David Moyes is currently doing at Everton. It’s not just as good as the first time. It’s even better.
If you cast your mind back to this time last year, you’ll remember that JJJJound & DESCENTE’s first link-up resulted in some extremely premium waterproof outerwear. Black shell jackets with hits of ice blue. It was good, but not nearly as good as what they’ve done this time around.
In their latest effort, things feel less ski resort and more real world. The collection takes styling cues from construction gear and everyday utility wear, which have then been run through the usual JJJJound treatment. DESCENTE has brought the technical ability, and JJJJound have packaged it beautifully, resulting in a wardrobe you can live in, no matter where you live.
A typical JJJJound colour palette does its fair share of the heavy lifting. Greys, taupes and deep neutrals allow for minimal layering, and flashes of Realtree® camo, graphics, and the odd hit of red embroidery keep things from becoming too safe.
As with everything DESCENTE, this is serious gear – but it doesn’t look like it’s trying to summit anything. Waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics are used across reversible shells, insulated mid-layers and seam-sealed outerwear. Fits are relaxed, allowing the gear to function on a wet commute, a long dog walk, or a day spent bouncing around town.
So as we first mentioned – second time arounds rarely spell good news, but this one absolutely does. JJJJound and DESCENTE haven’t tried to outdo themselves by turning everything up to ten, they’ve simply refined the brief and done what they do best.
JJJJound & DESCENTE All Terrain is available to purchase now from JJJJound
