Sydney-based, Korean-Australian rap crew 1300 일삼공공 has teamed up with local label AISON ANDÉR for a limited-edition streetwear collection featuring illustrations by Chris Yee.

After meeting via mutual friends, the Sydney creatives keenly followed each other’s growth and success throughout 2021 – and are now joining forces for their first-ever collaboration. The union is a natural fit, with both 1300 일삼공공 and AISON sitting at and exploring the intersection of Korean and Australian culture.

The capsule collection celebrates the release of 1300 일삼공공’s second single ‘Smashmouth’ (music video, Spotify). With the track channeling a party vibe, the accompanying designs mirror this energy, showcasing the 1300 일삼공공 boys as youthful and playful caricatures of themselves.

The limited-edition release consists of a hoodie and tee featuring illustrations by renowned Sydney artist Chris Yee. In addition to the fun caricatures, the collab features a flower – which in Korea symbolises peace and harmony – plus a subtle portal graphic to pay homage to the track’s subject matter. Yee’s work is deeply rooted in and inspired by comics, K-pop, punk, and 2000s rap – making him the perfect collaborator to join AISON and 1300 일삼공공. Similarly, his practice seeks to explore and evolve the Asian-Australian creative identity.

Of the collaboration, Alex Wu-Kim of AISON ANDÉR explains: “The AISON and 1300 일삼공공 story started very early on this year. I launched my first collection, and a week or two later, ‘No Caller ID’ was released, and I’ve been following their rise ever since. It’s been really special seeing a group of humble Korean dudes being recognised in the local music industry – and in the hip-hop/rap genre, for that matter. It’s been so exciting seeing their growth into becoming the ones to watch both here and abroad. “What they’re doing for the Korean community and Asians as a whole in this country cannot be downplayed – they’ve given us a voice and an identity that screams power, energy, charisma, and cool. Seeing these boys do their thing, wave the flag for us, and be recognised in the local scene makes me tremendously energised and hopeful. Long may it continue.”

The 1300 collaboration is available from 6PM on Monday September 27 via AISON ANDÉR Online. Follow AISON ANDÉR here, 1300 here, and Chris Yee here