The Kangol x Tadanori Yokoo collaboration merges the bold spirit of British headwear heritage with the psychedelic genius of Japan’s legendary artist.
How Kangol Became a Streetwear Staple
Kangol was founded in 1938 by Jacques Spreiregen. Initially, the company manufactured Basque berets. During World War II, Kangol supplied these berets to British soldiers. After the war, the brand also provided berets for Olympic teams in Britain. The name “Kangol” reflects its heritage. It combines the letter K for knitting, the letters ANG for angora, and OL for wool. This name highlights the brand’s strong emphasis on textile craftsmanship.
By the 1950s, Kangol was reshaping headwear with the Carricap, a new cap silhouette born from stiffened materials. But it was the 1960s that catapulted Kangol into cultural relevance—thanks to official Beatles-branded headwear, designed by Eileen Greig, and a growing connection with music and youth movements.
In the 1980s, Kangol found a second home in the US, where it was embraced by hip-hop artists, graffiti legends, and club scenes alike. The adoption of the kangaroo logo in 1983—sparked by American demand—marked a turning point. It became a symbol of cool across generations, famously worn by LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., and Missy Elliott.
Over the years, the brand has partnered with influential artists and designers. Notable collaborations include those with Hiroshi Fujiwara, Comme des Garçons, and Married to the MOB. These collaborations showcase Kangol’s unique position at the intersection of heritage, fashion, and counterculture. Through these efforts, the brand continues to evolve while honoring its rich history.
Introducing Tadanori Yokoo: Master of Psychedelic Disruption
The new Kangol x Tadanori Yokoo collaboration highlights the work of one of Japan’s most celebrated visual pioneers. Tadanori Yokoo is renowned for fusing traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western pop iconography—crafting bold, often chaotic compositions that reject modernist minimalism in favor of psychedelic maximalism.
Yokoo has redefined the landscape of graphic design. He began his career by creating poster art and album covers for iconic musicians like Miles Davis and Santana. In the 1980s, he made a significant transition to painting. This shift allowed him to explore autobiographical and spiritual themes in his artwork. As a result of this transformation, he earned the prestigious Praemium Imperiale, which many consider the Nobel Prize of the arts.
His works reside in prestigious collections worldwide, and his legacy is preserved at the Yokoo Tadanori Museum of Contemporary Art in Kobe.
The “Suresurekusa” Series: Celebrating Misalignment
The capsule collection takes inspiration from Yokoo’s 2014 woodblock print series, “Suresurekusa”. It also pays tribute to Toshusai Sharaku, the Edo-period master known for his dramatic portraits of kabuki actors. By combining these influences, the collection bridges contemporary design with traditional Japanese art.
The term “Suresurekusa” is a coined word merging the idea of misalignment (“sure”) with “Tsurezuregusa” (Idle Essays) by Yoshida Kenkō. Traditionally, woodblock printing aims to avoid misalignment. However, Yokoo turns this rule upside down by deliberately emphasizing color discord and disjointed layering, which evokes tension, emotion, and humor.
These misaligned, expressive visuals first appeared as slides for a stage production in Tokyo. Now, through this Kangol collaboration, they transform into bold pieces of wearable art.
Two Iconic Silhouettes, Reimagined
The collection features two classic Kangol styles, dressed in Yokoo’s unapologetically vibrant visual language:
- Tropic Casual: The brand’s signature bucket hat, reworked with a full jacquard wrap of Yokoo’s Suresurekusa print and his signature embroidered into the crown.
- Tropic 504: The iconic flat cap style, also adorned with the print and artist’s signature, blending heritage with artistic edge.
Both are made with Kangol’s Tropic yarn, a breathable poly-blend that ensures comfort while keeping the hats lightweight and summer-ready.
Looking Forward: The Kangol x Tadanori Yokoo Collection Impact
More than just a seasonal drop, this collaboration celebrates the legacy of two creative forces that defy categorization. Kangol, once a military outfitter turned music staple, and Yokoo, an artist unafraid of “errors,” come together to honor imperfection, color, and culture.
This release shows that headwear can be more than just an accessory. From museum gift shops to urban streetwear boutiques, it serves as both a bold fashion statement and a wearable piece of fine art.
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