Stüssy and Dries Van Noten Collaborate on a Wacky New Collection

The greatest collaborations in history have come from the pairing of dissimilar, unexpected duos: chilli and chocolate, Laurel and Hardy, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. Following teasers posted on Instagram, yesterday it was announced that – in an surprising move – streetwear label Stüssy and Dries Van Noten have come together for a collaborative capsule collection, launching with a campaign featuring Flea – the founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Captured by Tyrone Lebon, the campaign sees a rebellious Flea bounding around indoors, parlaying his angst into stylish images that distil the energy of the capsule; donning tie-dye sweatpants, playing basketball in loose-fitting asteroid-print shorts and an American varsity jacket emblazoned with a myriad of patches and the new co-branded logo. Van Noten’s signature, eclectic use of colour and print are translated through the lens of Stüssy’s anarchic attitude, with a green parka airbrushed with psychedelic lines and peace symbols, and a faded bouquet of flowers placed in a repurposed bong.

The capsule continues with tie-dye T-shirts, sweatshirts, and a glistening rhinestoned smoking suit, tailored in Van Noten’s unmistakable, considered style. Part of the Antwerp Six – with collections charged with a unique sense of intelligence and emotion – Van Noten became one of the fashion industry’s most respected names with his cerebral designs. Stirring in Stüssy’s skate and southern California surf scene-inspired savoir-faire, the capsule is a fresh and sophisticated take on contemporary youth culture, evoking a sense of 90s nostalgia. 

Stüssy & Dries Van Noten is available worldwide at select Dover Street Market locations, Dries Van Noten stores, on stussy.com and driesvannoten.com on November 18.