HHV x Universal Works. No.02

The HHV x Universal Works collection is now available online and instore.

We’re pleased to announce a new joint venture with Berlin-based vinyl, apparel, and sneaker destination, and long-term UW stockist, HHV. This second collaboration and Future Friendship Project is presented under a tagline inspired by the one used the first time around: “Traditional Beat, International Artist, Traditional Piece, International Garment”. This concept taps into HHV’s vinyl roots, UW’s workwear influences, and both companies' far-reaching vision and international outlook.

Samon Kawamura wears:  HHV x Universal Works Kyoto Work Jacket in Black Twill and Pleated Track Pant in Olive Slub Sateen.

This time around, we’re releasing two special versions of the well-loved UW Kyoto Work Jacket: one in Black Twill and the other, a short sleeve "Kyoto Work Shirt" in Navy Twill. Both feature a special collaboration label and embroideries inspired by UW Co-Founder David Keyte’s collection of fabrics, artefacts, books, and objects from Japan. Designed with longevity in mind, both pieces can be worn as shirts, jackets, or cardigans— as outer layers for summer, or under other pieces in the autumn. UW Co-Founder David Keyte explains:

“They can be worn and used, and washed and used, and washed and will just get better and better looking as they age… a bit like me really!”

Like HHV, we take our work seriously, but ourselves, not so much. So when it came to collaborating, we definitely wanted to have some fun with the process, and it quickly turned into a project that celebrates our shared interests and mutual enjoyment of working with like-minded companies. David elaborates on the inspiration behind the project:

"I guess the team at HHV, like me, are inspired by many things from Japan. They loved our Kyoto Jacket that we released a few years back, which was originally inspired by a trip to the ancient Japanese city. This time, we made something more akin to a 'worker' version of a traditional Japanese piece.”

To bring the project to life, we enlisted internationally known music artist and producer Samon Kawamura, whom you might recognise from our Good People, Good Places shoot back in 2022 (see more here). Like before, the shoot took place in Kawamura's home studio in the centre of Berlin, which was full of digital and analogue instruments and equipment, from acoustic mandolins and electric guitars to beat pads and iMacs. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such a wide range of influences, and this was further reflected in the background music he played during the shoot. Featuring everything from alternative rap to world music, the shoot itself was an experience that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the project tagline.

Shop the collection now at HHV and Universal Works.

Samon Kawamura wears: HHV x Universal Works Kyoto Work Shirt in Navy Twill and Oxford Pant in Indigo 9oz Organic Denim. 

Samon Kawamura wears: HHV x Universal Works Kyoto Work Jacket in Black Twill and Pleated Track Pant in Olive Slub Sateen. 

To celebrate the collaboration launch, HHV hosted an in-store party in their Friedrichshain, Berlin store. Some of the UW. team were there, including our Co-Founder, David. If you missed out there are some photos of the evening below and even a playlist curated by our friend Samon Kawamura.