Creative forces
An American label teams up with its global face for a Japanese anime-inspired line, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
AMERICAN label Coach has collaborated with actor Michael B. Jordan, who is also the global face of the brand, for a line inspired by his cultural influences and community, his love of Naruto, and his passion for bringing unique voices to the forefront.
This unisex ready-to-wear footwear and bag collection is Jordan’s first foray into fashion design, guided by the expertise of Coach creative director Stuart Vevers.
Created in partnership with Viz Media, the collection combines Coach craftsmanship with Jordan’s affinity for functional fashion and graphic codes from the world of Naruto, a popular Japanese anime and manga.
Products range from parkas, jean jackets and pullovers to backpacks, utility packs and hybrid sneaker boots.
Infused with technical details like removable sleeves, tactical straps and elastic closures, it also features characters from Naruto, as well as the series’ trademark “eye” motifs reimagined with Coach’s Retro C graphics.
These references tie back to the story of Naruto Uzumaki himself, a young ninja who begins his journey as an outsider and earns the respect of his community as he works with his friends to protect it.
The Naruto backstory speaks closely to Jordan’s own narrative as an outlier building bridges inside and outside of the Hollywood establishment, and echoes Coach’s commitment to community and courage.
TOKYO VIBES To launch the collection, Coach releases a campaign that fuses its values and craftsmanship with Jordan’s cinematic skill and Naruto’s mystic iconography.
The film, conceived by Jordan and directed by Rachel Morrison (who collaborated with Jordan previously as the director of photography on Black Panther), takes place in a neon-drenched Tokyo street, and moves between moments of modern-day grit and magical realism, placing an emphasis on the power of conpieces nection.
“Working with Mike is always a great experience,” Vevers says. “He’s a great collaborator because he always puts his heart and soul into everything he does. He brings something authentic and personal to the collection.”
Jordan adds: “With my name on this collection, it was important to design that represent my cultural influencand es my community; pieces that I could see my friends, family and fans wearing with pride.”
“As with all aspects of my work, this collection is about bringing fresh perspectives and unique voices to the forefront. Expanding into the fashion design space was rewarding beyond my expectations and I’m grateful to Stuart and Coach for providing me with the opportunity and expertise to execute a collection I’m extremely proud of.”
The Coach x Michael B. Jordan collection is be available at select Coach stores.