ALYX x Nick Knight

Launched in 2015, Williams founded ALYX with the help of Slam Jam’s Luca Benini, bolstering an age-old affinity with streetwear to springboard a hardened, unapologetic womenswear brand. Following the debut of his first menswear collection in 2017, Williams’ collections have garnered an illustrious reputation for seamlessly cross-pollinating influences from his native California with the global subcultures that stimulate us all.

For his Spring ‘18 collection, Williams looked to British heritage brand Mackintosh for their killer craftsmanship, which dates back to 1823. Using the collaboration “as a way to honor this heritage and use their fabrication and development alongside our own design elements and hardware to create unique pieces which well represent both collaborators,” said Williams, the collection also features popper vent technology and buckle-up legs that redefine functionality—and not just for the runway.

As for Nick Knight’s contribution: “Nick and I are both long-time fans of Mackintosh and their craftsmanship,” Williams explained. “As we have been both friends and collaborators for some time, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring all three parties together for this limited coat.”

While he would be more commonly associated with his 1982 book, Skinheads, or his subversive early-adoption of digital fashion photography, the exclusive imagery he created for this collab sets an entirely new tone for Nick Knight. Using techniques he’s been perfecting for a number of years now, the image is an abstract water painting on photosensitive materials that’s equally dark and beautiful. And because—on top of the quality of the collab—people always want what they can’t have, the Nick Knight x Mackintosh x ALYX capsule is bound to sell out, like, fast.

Nick Knight for Mackintosh x ALYX is available exclusively at the Mackintosh flagship in London.

Photos by Nick Knight; Model: George Jones (Wilhelmina); courtesy of Mackintosh.