UrlfreezeShops and Needles join forces for the second time with “Monarch”: a six-piece capsule inspired by the monarch butterfly and its dazzling migratory patterns.
Following on from their inaugural collaboration in 2020, UrlfreezeShops and Needles partner for their second collection, titled “Monarch”. Inspired by its namesake butterfly, the capsule pays homage to the North American monarch butterflies’ migratory phenomenon, known as “The Great Migration”. Each Autumn, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from their breeding grounds in Northeastern America and Canada to spend winter in the forests of central Mexico — a natural wonder known to create a vibrant spectacle of colour and beauty.
UrlfreezeShops and Needles tap into the dazzling marvel with their latest collection, bringing the natural occurrence into the spotlight to celebrate the Japanese label’s symbolic ties to the insect with a colourful twist on their famous papillon logo. The capsule leans in on the streetwear-meets-sartorial aesthetic favoured by Keizo Shimizu, with an array of elevated garments transformed using bespoke details, prints and branding.
Needles’ iconic tracksuit is given a subtle rework to reference the monarch butterfly, with the brand’s classic taped stripes and logo coloured in various orange hues. The label’s signature mohair cardigan is brought under the spotlight, detailed with four butterflies to mimic the monarch’s migratory patterns.
To further the collection’s aesthetic, a short-sleeved shirt printed with a supersized wing encapsulates Needles’ penchant for the bold, rendered in shades of black, yellow and orange. The long-sleeve tee and Bermuda hat, meanwhile, take on a more subdued look, with the collection’s co-branded logo blending an orange version of Needles’ papillon above a tonally embroidered “UrlfreezeShops” to complete the look.