NINEpointNINE and Li-Ning Release Their Second Collaborative Project
Written by Ali George Hinkins
NINEpointNINE and Li-Ning have collaborated on an Autumn/Winter ‘24 collection that builds upon the framework laid during their debut project, which was released earlier this year. Featuring a cacophony of technically minded pieces that seek inspiration from outdoor silhouettes and technologies, NINEpointNINE and Li-Ning have found common ground in their respective design language, which allows them to communicate using clothing as the medium.
Acting as an extension of NINEpointNINE’s mainline collection, DUO, this project, Time Gate, aims to blur the lines between the past, present, and future through a careful narrative that goes beyond clothing. It extends to an experience and cultural insight, which is hard to find nowadays, especially when a material object is involved.
The collection seeks inspiration from China’s architectural history and ‘Grey Tiles’ culture, the unglazed, greyish-blue tiles renowned for their beauty and simplicity found throughout ancient Chinese architecture. NINEpointNINE and Li-Ning seek to guide us through a gate of time that allows us to connect with the past and appreciate the architectural elements that inspire the clothing. Knowing this, we understand the underlying narrative clearly and appreciate how they bring together heritage and innovation.
Autumn/Winter ‘24 focuses on hybrid clothing that meets the ever-evolving demands of modern explorers. These explorers require clothing to fulfil several expectations, including adequate protection in outdoor and urban settings, aided by the pair's use of GORE-TEX technology and down insulation. Additionally, the designs must be versatile in a functional and styling sense to handle a sudden downpour around town without looking out of place stylistically.
As a result, their combined offering comprises waterproof shell jackets, down puffer jackets and vests, bottoms with 3D pockets, and waterproof three-layer constructions. While not releasing at This Thing of Ours, the pair presents a collaborative version of the Soft Go Max, a footwear style designed for outdoor and urban environments.
A departure from the lighter, more breathable and movement-enhancing outerwear styles from their inaugural collection, Autumn/Winter ‘24 introduces silhouettes constructed using ‘Future Denim’ and GORE-TEX materials, which enhance protection against the elements. Seeking inspiration from the past and future, Future Denim is a progressive take on denim that marries the unique character of this heritage material with superior technical properties, such as being lighter and more breathable.
The pieces are available in a few muted yet versatile colourways, including Black, ‘Future Denim, Lava Grey and Grape, a departure from the often lairy colourways of functional apparel.
Available online and in-store from This Thing Of Ours.
