Where there are hypebeasts, there are hiking beasts. The most anticipated fashion collaboration of the year (and 2021, if our predictions are correct) will appeal to both, and when we first heard the news in September, our ears perked up in unison: Gucci (opens in new tab) is joining forces with The North Face, to unveil a collection that literally and figuratively connects the mountains. Gucci (opens in new tab) is teaming up with The North Face to unveil a collection that literally and figuratively connects the mountains: it's 2020, and while the partnership's ambiguous announcement was first made on a TikTok summit (opens in new tab), this time The North Face and Gucci will give an exclusive first look at what the collaboration actually looks like. [Mickey Mouse (opens in new tab) uses the GG Supreme logo, while The North Face has collaborated with MM6 Maison Margiela, Supreme, and many other designers.

Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele is known as a fan of the eclectic "70s" aesthetic. From disco colors to pleated lamé, his love of a vintage feel has run deep throughout his tenure at the brand, and The North Face, founded in 1966, introduced Michele to the outdoor wear brand's archives as inspiration for the collaboration. The end result is Camping (opens in new tab).

Goose down clothing is not limited to puffer jackets, but is cut into full skirts, shirts, bib dresses, and even jumpsuits. Bright shades of cyan and kelly green complement vintage floral motifs. Unisex hiking boots for men and women, featuring contrasting braided laces and sturdy Goodyear-welted soles, are sure to be a hot item. However, given the designer's price tag, we suspect that they are "hiking" up Runyon Canyon rather than tackling the PCT.

The collaboration is a great blend and highlight of what both brands do best. For example: a padded vest similar to The North Face's still-popular Nupsi style is printed with Gucci's vintage chains. Instead, Gucci's iconic pussy-ribbon blouse is splashed with the North Face logo. The North Face's lined half-circle (symbolizing the famous half-dome of Yosemite National Park) blends seamlessly into Gucci's signature green and red stripes. If accessories are what you're after, you're in luck. The collection includes the Future It backpack, which resembles retro climbing gear with rope pulls and netted straps, and a variety of belt bags. And, of course, there are Gucci-style tents and sleeping bags.

Without straying off the hiking trail, the campaign for this collaboration stays true to its theme. Photographer Daniel Shea shot the images in the Alps. In a hazy, sun-drenched atmosphere, the models trekked up the mountain slopes, evoking the 70s with photos that mimic recently developed film found in the attic. The short film's soundtrack also ties in with The North Face's roots. The video is set to "Bad Moon Rising" by Credence Clearwater Revival, which had a practice studio adjacent to The North Face's original store in Berkeley, California.

The collection also highlights the two brands' joint commitment to sustainability. Gucci launched its first sustainable collection "Off the Grid" (opens in new tab) earlier this year, while The North Face has been active in social and environmental responsibility. This collaboration continues along this line with luggage made from ECONYL®, a nylon material made from recycled materials, and packaging made from sustainably managed forests.

Mark your calendars for January 6, when this collaboration launches in the US.

Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmons. Photographer & Director Daniel See Makeup by Thomas De Kluyver; Hair Stylist by Alex Brownsell Alex Brownsell Music Credits Bad Moon Rising, by John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival Performance. Published by Concord Music Group, Inc. recording courtesy of Craft Recordings, a division of C.