Trapper keeper

MANILA, Philippines - It’s strange that a multi-hyphenate like Hiroshi Fujiwara is still a relative unknown to folks outside of Japan. Arbiter of all things hip and creator of hype, Fujiwara is responsible for changing the face of Japanese street style, giving Japanese streetwear goods the kind of exclusivity formerly limited to vintage Nike relics from the ‘70s. Collaborations with Levi’s and Nike pepper his resumé. In the early ‘90s, he was credited with launching the careers of Jun Takahashi, who would later found underground label Undercover, and Nigo, who started A Bathing Ape, by investing in Harajuku retail project Nowhere.

Now the Japanese designer is turning his eye to headgear, collaborating with Kangol. The result is the limited-edition Fragment Jacquard Earlap Pull-on.

Taking his cue from traditional Japanese kimono prints, Fujiwara offers a contemporary twist in three color ways as part of his headwear project. Fine wool and acrylic with a fleece lining make up the Fragment Earlap Pull-on, and this woven garment comes in a Fragment X Kangol Ziploc Bag. Adding his personal touch, Fujiwara marks each hat with his initials.

The Fragment Jacquard Earlap Pull-on collection is available at Kangol, Power Plant Mall and Bratpack, Greenbelt 5.