Let’s get to that right away: the new collaboration between Stüssy and Dries Van Noten looks as if it contains some of the funniest and most exciting ensembles I’ve seen in a long time. In a way, these two seem like quirky bedtime buddies, a gritty skate brand born out of a Southern California smelter and a gentle Belgian designer. But that’s what makes the partnership feel so novel. I mean, how else could we get something as ingenious as the collection’s defining piece: a parka with a spray-on bubble that’s reset to a vase in the back. ?
The Stüssy x Dries Van Noten collection is full, overflowing with comedic mash-ups like that. There are tie-dyed sweatpants, sweatshirts and t-shirts, shorts, other jackets, jeans, smoker jackets, and sparkly pants with rhinestone embellishments. Find out the ways the lovely Van Noten and the green Van Noten, known for his floral prints, come together: a rose… set fire; tailoring ready for discos; a bouquet of flowers blooms into Stüssy’s signature number eight ball; and of course the aforementioned bong. Taken together, the entire collection reads as if the good people in Stüssy had gifted Van Noten a few hits while he told them about floriculture. The collection will go on sale at Dover Street Market and Dries Van Noten stores as well as Stüssy’s designer and website on Friday, November 18 at 10 a.m. PT in the US.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get any better: Red Hot Chili’s bassist Peppers Flea featured in the ad campaign for the collection. You have to admit that he has the right attitude to it: the smoking jacket and pants are wearing nothing but a gold chain underneath and a bassinet in his hand. In fact, shirts are missing from the entire campaign. Fleas around in just a pair of sweatpants and pass the man filming with a maniacal grin and an oversized suit jacket.
