EQUALNEAR's brand new Spring/Summer collection Hero’s Journey 1.0 has officially launched. This collection is a continuation of the 2024 Spring/Summer series E‑llusory Temple, exploring the labyrinth of the psyche through Dreamland Temple. It shifts towards Alchemist via the 2024 Autumn/Winter series Alchemist, showcasing the transformation between material and spirit, as well as the ritualistic evolution of power and identity.
This season's theme draws inspiration from the monomyth structure proposed by mythologist Joseph Campbell, focusing on the beginning of the hero’s journey — Summoning and Departure. The brand cleverly weaves symbolic narratives into real-life scenarios, utilizing meme aesthetics and visual symbols from gaming culture to construct a fantastical world where reality and fiction intertwine. In a fog-laden plain reminiscent of a game quest, ordinary characters emerge as the protagonists of this journey.
The entire collection is grounded in symbolic storytelling, with the brand's iconic badge evolving into a cross totem made up of 1 and Infinite, signaling the inner philosophy of One is all, and all is one.. In terms of material choices, the brand employs techniques of washing, distressing, and vintage treatment, showcasing the marks of time and the remnants of ritual left by journeys. As for the design silhouette, the sense of equipment from virtual characters is cleverly introduced into everyday life, creating a modern wardrobe vocabulary that balances ritual significance with functionality.
This collection features the Tactician Jacket, which emphasizes functional layering with its adjustable ties and refined tailoring; the Vanguard Jacket showcases a robust style with its broad shoulder structure and pieced silhouette; the Armor Jersey embodies a lightweight armor design concept, balancing flexibility and style; the Blade Pants achieve a perfect equilibrium between movement and support with their pleating and structural design; while the Pilgrim Cropped Shorts combine simple proportions with soft materials, reflecting the dual need for mobility and everyday wear during travels.
EQUALNEAR is advancing contemporary discussions about Identity Exploration and Real Travel through the exploration of visuals and the rhythm of storytelling. By blending fictional narratives, gaming vocabulary, and fashion design, it crafts a unique heroic worldview for the modern wearer. This collection is now available on the brand's official website.
