In early spring 2025, I received a call from Daiki, president of Nepenthes America, asking to meet urgently about creating the key visual for 2025, following our collaboration with Clarks Originals in 2024.
The concept combines mixed media with a nostalgic touch, featuring illustration for the models and photography for the shoes. Clarks, founded in the UK in 1825, serves as the backdrop, with New York reflecting both EG's and my roots. I wanted to capture the London music scene from the 1970s to the 1990s, including ska, punk, and early ‘90s Acid Jazz.
We included three musicians to represent Daiki's three shoe designs, using classic check patterns in a flat layout. This merges 1950s fashion illustration with an edgy New York style, creating a unique blend of classic and contemporary.
Brand: Nepenthes America, Engineered Garments
Artist: Artwork, Photography Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2025
Artist: Artwork, Photography Manabu Gaku Inada
Year: 2025
I used prints and stencils to create a textured effect in the illustrations.
