In the ’90s, Nautica’s preppy, maritime-inspired fits were highly coveted among hip-hop heads due to their classic, aspirational style. Lil Yachty might not have been anyone’s pick for the rapper most likely to reinvent the brand for 2018, but the Atlanta-born “King Of The Youth” has been a long-time fan. That lifelong love for heritage labels like Nautica and Reebok combined with Yachty’s own nautical nicknames — including Lil Boat — and his Sailing Team crew makes him the perfect brand ambassador for Nautica.
However, while most brands would be content to simply snap a few shots of their entertainment partners doing “rapper stuff,” Nautica went a step further, making Yachty their Creative Designer in January of 2017 and released a limited-edition capsule collection that he collaborated with them on, from design to marketing. The collection was so successful the brand and rapper decided to continue their partnership into 2018, planning another capsule release for summer.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Lil Yachty for 2018,” said Brendan Sullivan, President of VF Sportswear, Nautica’s parent company. “With the success of his first capsule collection with Nautica, we have seen that his talent and creative influence go far beyond music. Through the expression of his ideas and how he wears Nautica clothing, he truly embodies the heritage of the Nautica brand.”
In the preview photos for the latest collection, Yachty sports more of the bright color-blocked designs that reflect the same youthful, exuberant energy he displays on his 2017 debut album, Teenage Emotions. Check out the photos below, and shop the vintage-inspired offerings here.
