Introducing South2 West8 to This Thing of Ours

Written by Ali George Hinkins

Nestled under the ever-burgeoning Nepenthes umbrella, South2 West8 is a fashion-meets-function label that is healthily inspired by mountain stream fishing, an activity that its founding designer, Keizo Shimizu tends to indulge in. 

For context, South2 West8 is part of a wider network of brands, including Needles and Engineered Garments, operating under the Nepenthes namesake. Founded in Jingumae, Tokyo, in 1988, Nepenthes was started by two garment enthusiasts from Japan, Daiki Suzuki and Keizo Shimizu, and has since opened up stores in Osaka, New York City and London. Being a component in a larger machine might make you think that each brand is similar, but Suzuki and Shimizu have carefully carved an identity out for those labels that sit under Nepenthes, and South2 West8 follows that brief as clear as day. 

Seeking out inspiration from a source that is close to the designer’s heart, Shimizu considers fishing in many aspects of South2 West8’s identity, from the vintage garments some of the designs are modelled off and the functional components that make their way onto outerwear and shirting, for example. Alongside that, the brand also leans on hunting and outdoor uniforms, not limiting itself to one outdoor activity. 

Designed with fully-fledged functionality in mind, South2 West8 filters its garments through a performance-geared lens that accounts for rod holders, spacious 3D pockets and cropped bodies to allow the wearer to keep their jacket dry whilst in the water - that is, assuming that they are wearing waders. Some of their more technical designs include the ‘Tenkara’ styles, such as vests, shirts and parka jackets, that are inspired by fly fishing. Oftentimes, thanks to a water-repellent coating and abundance of technical details, these garments are functional in their destined setting, the water, and urban environments alike which makes South2 West8 a perfect in-between. 

For those looking for something more casual from them, if you don’t mind the bold colour schemes and repeating logos, then they offer mohair knitwear, graphic printed long sleeve t-shirts and coordinating tracksuit tops and bottoms. 

At This Thing of Ours, they are the recipients of a good balance of South2 West8 gear, mixing some of the louder, function-forward pieces like the 3Layer Weather Effect Jacket with subtler styles such as Belted C.S. Pant. Joining the aforementioned is the Tenkara Trout Parka, L/S Round Pocket Tee, Crusher Hat, River Trek Jacket and Belted C.S. Pant (Made in collaboration with Ben Miller), Filling Crewneck Shirt and Pants, and, lastly, the Smokey Shirt. 

Available now online and in-store from This Thing of Ours.