Some thought it was a strange pairing: a renowned outdoor apparel business recognized for its practical all-weather wear collaborating with a luxury fashion label known for its quirky reinventions under creative director Alessandro Michele. Indeed, the intersection of adventurous attitude has made The North Face x Gucci collaboration such a success.
Michele took over as creative director of Gucci in 2015 and since then has instilled his belief that “fashion must change, because life is changing.” While the label reached 100 last year, it refuses to age, maintaining its hold on the zeitgeist, with Michele always looking to the past to create the future.
The North Face, synonymous with modern technical apparel suited for the elements, is over fifty years old. It’s also long had an artistic following, linking with subcultures like the New York Graffiti scene and, more broadly, urban youth culture.
The North Face x Gucci collection reinterprets vintage North Face pieces from the 1970s, a decade Michele frequently references in his work. Let’s take a closer look at some of the collection’s essential pieces:
The North Face x Gucci Cotton Hoodie ‘Brown’
The North Face x Gucci Cotton Hoodie in brown has an overall vintage 70s effect, from its subdued brown hue to the dramatic and colorfully bold co-branded logo print on the front and trail print on the back. It’s woven for comfort in 100% felted cotton and has a hood and internal tie for enhanced wearability.
The North Face x Gucci Oversize T-Shirt ‘Ivory’
The North Face x Gucci Oversize T-Shirt in ivory draws on the same 70s-inspired graphic branding as the hoodie. It’s a stonewashed crewneck heavy cotton jersey made from eco-conscious organic cotton. It’s also oversized and non-gender specific, following The North Face’s tradition of designing clothing for active people rather than actively gendered people.
The North Face x Gucci GG Canvas Shorts ‘Beige/Ebony’
Continuing to highlight sustainability as a key production feature, The North Face x Gucci GG Canvas Shorts in beige and ebony are made in Italy using materials and processes that restrict chemicals, pesticides, and other nasties, promoting minimal energy consumption. They are fully embroidered with The North Face x Gucci logo and have front and back pockets with a drawstring waist.
The North Face x Gucci Large Backpack ‘Ivory and Brown’
The North Face x Gucci Large Backpack in ivory and brown was designed with exploration in mind. It’s a roomier than usual canvas backpack with individually accessed side sections for holding drink bottles and other items. Patterned with the recurring and color-popping North Face x Gucci logo, it’s got the same 70s technicolor vibe as the Hoodie and T-Shirt.
The North Face x Gucci Nylon Windbreaker ‘Gray’
The North Face x Gucci Nylon Windbreaker in gray is perhaps the most subtle piece in the collection. Manufactured from lightweight multi nylon and featuring a fixed hood, it relegates the unified logo to just a tiny section of the hemline. It’s an all-weather jacket for outerwear. Shop additional North Face x Gucci apparel at GOAT.
Alessandro Michele’s declaration that “I don’t differentiate between beauty and functionality” is wonderfully conveyed in The North Face x Gucci collection of garments designed to be worn by the active, trendy, contemporary, and floral-inspired all at the same time. They distinguish themselves from the crowd in the same manner that both brands have always done, by representing the movers and shakers, the urban artists who want to remain warm, and the explorers who wish to stay cool.
