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LTEKS Edition 06
[Collection review]
[Collection review]
LTEKS, one of our personal favourites in the world of experimental functional apparel, has been consistently upping their offering with each consecutive release, called Editions by the brand, and today we are happy to take a look at their latest Edition 6 for 2024.
LTEKS, a division of the Korean outdoor giant KOLON SPORT that has been going strong for 50+ years already, is an experimental design oriented label that focuses on apparel for various environmental conditions in everyday life. By applying materials and technologies required for extreme outdoor climates and using movement first logic and ergonomic design principles, LTEKS has been at the forefront of the new functional apparel movement, that does not force a use case for its users, but rather provides tools to tackle any situation in an urban environment the way you want to, hence the ideas of adjusting and adapting, which are the core motto of the brand.
LTEKS Edition 06
[Collection review]
[Collection review]
LTEKS, one of our personal favourites in the world of experimental functional apparel, has been consistently upping their offering with each consecutive release, called Editions by the brand, and today we are happy to take a look at their latest Edition 6 for 2024.
LTEKS, a division of the Korean outdoor giant KOLON SPORT that has been going strong for 50+ years already, is an experimental design oriented label that focuses on apparel for various environmental conditions in everyday life. By applying materials and technologies required for extreme outdoor climates and using movement first logic and ergonomic design principles, LTEKS has been at the forefront of the new functional apparel movement, that does not force a use case for its users, but rather provides tools to tackle any situation in an urban environment the way you want to, hence the ideas of adjusting and adapting, which are the core motto of the brand.
Edition 06 is titled "U+2641 Protectors", and the name is worn well by this very distinct collection.
As the brand puts it: “Despite conflicts and disputes fueled by human greed, environmental destruction and social crises, efforts are underway to ameliorate them. Leveraging advanced scientific technology and forming alliances, a group of dedicated individuals is working tirelessly to restore the Earth. These members are whom we refer to as U+2641 Protectors”.
As the brand puts it: “Despite conflicts and disputes fueled by human greed, environmental destruction and social crises, efforts are underway to ameliorate them. Leveraging advanced scientific technology and forming alliances, a group of dedicated individuals is working tirelessly to restore the Earth. These members are whom we refer to as U+2641 Protectors”.
This new idea is a peculiar and in our view, a welcomed addition to the overarching storytelling of LTEKS, that leverages character driven distinction within the single edition. Those “characters” receive their own design identities and traits, which helps create a more overarching narrative, yet a more nuanced look of the collection. There are 3 approaches on offer here: VERTEX, SYMMETRY, and INTEGRAL. Each line is engineered to stand on its own and has multiple products for a total look within each, yet still allows for easy cross-coordination of any pieces in the Edition.
VERTEX – the highest level of technology and functionality, and is distinguished by its use of GORE-TEX PRO materials. Notable and supremely well crafted pieces in this line are the STORM BREAKER BIKER PANTS and JACKET combo. Heavily mirroring a classic biker uniform, these pieces integrate multiple design solutions, including stretch panels, adjustable sleeves and cuffs, and storm flaps. They also feature pockets designed to accommodate protective pads. Use of GORE-TEX STRETCH and WINDSTOPPER adds to this endgame suit of membrane and seam taping, ready to take its user anywhere under any circumstance.
SYMMETRY serves as the balance point in this collection, offering products with enhanced functionality and being more slick and minimal than INTEGRAL. Pieces of this line showcase the idea of quiet functionality, retaining the highest levels of cuts and material use, providing uninterrupted movement, a multitude of adjustability options and protection for its wearer. A good example of this approach is the STORM BREAKER PANT, made with OLMETEX textile and RIRI CLIP on the sides for better fit without a need for a belt.
INTEGRAL is a more urban and fashion focused offering, that is fantastically translated through in the absolute unit of a jacket and pant combo: STORM BREAKER LONG COAT and WIDE CARGO PANTS. Integrating transformable silhouettes, these pieces experiment with the cut the most, combining multiple designs and pieces in one, like the skirt and a bomber jacket in the LONG COAT, or angled side pockets and expandable leg cuffs in the CARGO PANTS. The use of laser cut panels, thermal welding of seam joints and folded zippers create truly outstanding collectable pieces.
Edition 06 utilizes GORE-TEX PRO, OLMETEX, X-PAC, KANEMASA and many more niche technical materials and hardware we come to expect from the Korean powerhouse of everything functional and blacked out.
Inspired by a design that prioritizes aerodynamics, it maintains sharpness and straight lines ready for a fashion week party and a ride on your Hayabusa.
Their use of non-traditional textiles and the willingness to experiment has landed them a spot on our Awards list multiple times and we are very excited to see Edition 6 out in the world.
The collection is now on sale in limited quantities at the Kolon Sport website and in Kolon Sport Hannam Flagship Store.
Made by TECHUNTER Magazine.
Words, Edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Layout: Alexander Zabelin [THM].
Photography: Sang Hun LEE for LTEKS.
Styling: Raymond Chae for LTEKS.
Made by TECHUNTER Magazine.
Words, Edit: Ivan Dzhatiev [THM].
Layout: Alexander Zabelin [THM].
Photography: Sang Hun LEE for LTEKS.
Styling: Raymond Chae for LTEKS.
While we are eagerly waiting to see new masterclasses in functional design from LTEKS, check out our previous articles about the brand, including our interview with creative director Jai Lee, THM Macroshots editorials for the second and fourth collections, and reviews of previous Editions at the links below.
