The North Face x Gucci: Brandon Leo Celebrates the Spirit of Exploration

With an appreciation for adventure and utilitarian fashion, Brandon Leo, student and musician, wears The North Face x Gucci collection like a second skin

The North Face x Gucci collection for men and women will be released in Singapore on January 11, and comprises of ready-to-wear, bags and accessories which includes camping tents. Brandon Leo, who creates music with his identical twin brother Julien Leo under the name Sky2, explores the great outdoors with us in this shoot.

This year, what adventures are you seeking, be it literal expeditions or metaphorical explorations?

Brandon Leo (BL) 2021 will be one of the biggest years of my life. Not only will I be graduating from New York University this May, but I will also be channelling my full effort into my passion for music as well.

I’ve spent a good portion of 2020 listening to myself, reflecting, and learning everything I can with an open mind. It seems that the isolation has in fact brought about a tremendous amount of personal growth; I’ve rediscovered what I’m truly fond of about many facets of life. In short: 2021, bring it on!

It seems that the isolation has in fact brought about a tremendous amount of personal growth.

What was your most memorable outdoorsy adventure?

BL A three-week expedition through Ladakh in North India. At age 16, I went on a school trip where we lived with the locals, trekked through hail and snow, and watched shooting stars through the night. We also ate only local vegetarian food. When I got home I was surprised at how much weight I had lost because I couldn’t even fit in my own pants, haha!

Above The North Face x Gucci nylon jacket, cotton socks and men’s ankle boot.

The boots made me feel protected and fearless, like I could tackle any situation.

How has your journey or exploration with fashion been like?

BL I’ve always loved fashion. From movies and videos games to runways and campaigns, I think that deliberate choices in style, including combinations of colours and textures, are just another extension of what you, as a character or brand, represent. You’re born with what you got, but cool thing is that you get to choose everything else.

I fondly recall going through a phase of exploration with horribly mismatched colours and an all-over-the-place fashion sense. On hindsight it makes me cringe, but hey, if you never try you’ll never know…

Above The North Face x Gucci print sweater

Above The North Face x Gucci men’s ankle boot

Above The North Face x Gucci GG canvas bomber jacket

Above The North Face x Gucci nylon vest

What are your favourites from the collection?

BL The fact that it rained during the shoot just amplified my love for functional design and how much I liked the collection. My personal belief is that even beautiful things should be used, not just stored away and preserved. The hat and the boots—I absolutely love boots—were my favourite pieces.

Although the raincoat sheltered most of my body from the rain, the hat and the boots made me feel protected and fearless, like I could tackle any situation.

Above The North Face x Gucci nylon hat

Above The North Face x Gucci faux fur sweatshirt

The North Face x Gucci collection for men and women comprises ready-to-wear, soft accessories, luggage and shoes, as well as some more unexpected pieces linked to the outdoor world of The North Face, such as tents and sleeping bags. Available at the Gucci Paragon boutique from January 11, 2021.

Credits

Photography

Darren Gabriel Leow

Styling

Joey Tan

Grooming

Greg Oh

Photographer's Assistant

Eric Tan

Topics

Brandon Leo Gucci The North Face fashion collaboration Sports adventure Tina Tan-Leo

Tatler Asia

The North Face x Gucci: Brandon Leo Celebrates the Spirit of Exploration