A brand that fuses high fashion and punk.
1990 | TOKYO, JAPAN | JUN TAKAHASHI

UNDERCOVER is a brand founded by Jun Takahashi and Hirofumi Ichinose while they were students at Bunka Fashion College. Their early works included hand-printed T-shirts featuring wanted fugitives from the United Red Army.

Subsequently, Jun Takahashi opened the select shop NOWHERE in Harajuku with NIGO® of A BATHING APE®. At the same time, he began a magazine series with Hiroshi Fujiwara, and was in charge of styling for Fumiya Fujii, showcasing his extraordinary sense in various fields while spreading the name of UNDERCOVER and making it a representative brand of Ura-Harajuku.

Furthermore, in 1994, they participated in Tokyo Collection, and from 2002, they showcased their creations at Paris Collection, growing into a leading Japanese brand. They also collaborated with Nike to release the running wear GYAKUSOU, and with Uniqlo to launch UU (Uniqlo Undercover), increasing their general recognition. In 2013, they also launched their second lines, SueUNDERCOVER (women's) and JohnUNDERCOVER (men's).

UNDERCOVER's signature item is undoubtedly their rider jackets. From basic styles seemingly based on those from Lewis Leathers, a company that Jun Takahashi himself uses, to customized versions like the one pictured, and even those fused with knitwear and jackets, they are released almost without fail during the Autumn/Winter season.

As a designer with a deep understanding of music, many of his items are reinterpretations of artwork from various bands, including Public Image Ltd, led by punk icon John Lydon, German rock band CAN, and NY band TELEVISION.

As evidenced by Jun Takahashi's own experience in the band Tokyo SEX PISTOLS during his student days (with Hikaru of BOUNTY HUNTER on bass), his creations are rooted in a broad sense of punk spirit, yet at the same time, they also blend with high fashion, resulting in a brand with a truly unique presence.