Editorial
STAY TRUE WITH BALLANTINE’S, RZA & NEIGHBORHOOD
26 October 2023RZA, NEIGHBORHOOD and Ballantine’s join forces for a collection rooted in staying true to yourself.
Ballantine’s, the world’s second largest scotch whisky brand, presents the next chapter in its ongoing partnership with Wu-Tang frontman and legendary creative, RZA, this time bringing Japanese streetwear brand NEIGHBORHOOD on board. Since his earlier days spearheading Wu-Tang, RZA is an artist who has always remained true to himself, pursuing creativity in an unapologetically individual way. His ongoing partnership with Ballantine’s is a reflection of this, with the pair celebrating self-expression through a series of drops centred around what it means to “stay true” to yourself. It's an ethos shared by both Ballantine’s and Shinsuke Takizawa’s NEIGHBORHOOD, making the three-way partnership one rooted in authenticity and connection. “Ballantine’s and RZA have a shared DNA – one of legacy, history, excellence, and good taste – and a belief in staying true to who you are”, said Mathieu Deslandes, Ballantine’s Global Marketing Director.
The collection sees RZA work alongside Ballantine’s and NEIGHBORHOOD, putting fashion at the heart of self-expression. “Fashion is one of the greatest ways to show self-expression; we use clothes to express everything, from our style to other interests such as sports and music, and even our communities and neighbourhoods”, said RZA, speaking about the collection. RZA has always been renowned for being multi-faceted, his creative output defined by one of perpetual innovation. When speaking about the collection, Haruchika Mitsui, NEIGHBORHOOD’s PR Manager said “RZA has a unique style; while it has evolved over time, it remains unmistakably true to his essence — timeless and multifaceted. Likewise, the items in this collection are physical expressions of different art forms — namely fashion and pottery — through multiple cultures: a Japanese streetwear brand partnered with New York hip-hop culture and the legacy of an iconic Scotch whisky.”
At the centre of the collection is a black work jacket, which is cut from TC twill to a relaxed fit and emblazoned with Ballantine’s and NEIGHBORHOOD’s respective mantras: “Stay True” and “Craft With Pride”. When speaking about the jacket, RZA said “The whole collection came out great, but having Ballantine’s ‘Stay True’ motto on the jacket is my favourite detail — it encapsulates our shared belief of doing things your own way.” Alongside this are two black twill accessories, a baseball cap and tote bag, each adorned with collaborative logos and RZA’s signature in white and blue embroidery. The collection also includes two items that celebrate Japanese pottery, with a Tsukamoto ceramic whisky decanter reproduced from a mold created by Tsukamoto, as well as a black clay drinks tumbler with an inner blue glaze, inspired by the craftsmanship undertaken by the potters of Tsukamoto.”
NEIGHBORHOOD X BALLANTINE'S AT END.
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