© GENTLE MONSTER × HERON PRESTON

Gentle Monster × Heron Preston Debut Collaboration

JULY 29, 2021 → WORDS RONALD KAHIHIKOLO

Futuristic South Korean label Gentle Monster, joins forces with Heron Preston for an edge-of-the-seat collaboration, a monumental moment for Preston as this is their very first collaboration. This neoteric collection drew inspiration from the bold workwear design at the core of Preston’s vision and injected the brand’s signature ‘spirit level’ element into their eyewear. Founder and creative director Heron Preston felt compelled to take on the partnership with Gentle Monster shortly after Preston resonated with the brands' keen ability to connect and juxtapose culture and art in authentic yet relatable ways. 

The collection features three pairs of sunglasses that come in 3 variations of acetate frames and 100% UV-protected lenses as well as a limited edition custom-designed case. Within the obvious details, one can easily spot Preston’s signature “Spirit Level” design featured across the temples as well as the classic bold orange branding label on the opposite temple. This already futuristic aura is accentuated by the rectangular silhouette and commanding color hues 一 which will include “Level 0 001” in black lenses, “Level 0 C1” in transparent lenses, and “0 NY1” in a navy gradient colorway.  The glasses are carefully crafted with the utmost excellence, fusing the unmistakable identities of both brands so that this monster could be born.

Speaking on the collaboration between the two brands, Preston explains, “We challenged ourselves to think of other ways the level could be applied across different product categories. The shape and construction of sunglasses are the perfect platform for this idea. The horizontal line that creates the temple on the side of the glasses directly relates to the line of a level. It was the perfect fit. I decided to collaborate with Gentle Monster because they have always supported big ideas and ambitious thinking. They understand how to connect through culture & arts in the most authentic ways and so working with them made me feel confident that they would be able to carry out my vision.” 

In celebration of the launch, Gentle Monster and Heron Preston will be hosting an exclusive “Hide and Seek” event, which will take place in six cities spanning from New York City to Los Angeles, California. On the dates of the event, both brands will be posting clues to the locations of each pair on socials. 

The collection will be available worldwide on July 29th on both online and offline stores at Gentle Monster and Heron Preston as well as select global retailers.