Woolrich Launches the SS21 Outdoor Label Designed in Japan
Text by: Josephine Giachero
For Woolrich’s Spring/Summer 2021 season, inspiration comes from the work of American photographer Eliot Porter, who reinterprets Henry David Thoreau‘s ideas and words while imagining a modern paradigm of contemporary society. The range is not only a reference point for hikers who enjoy long distances, but also for those who adopt a comfortable lifestyle, thoroughly embracing relaxation and indoor style, thanks to the development of an entertaining “modern minimalism” capable of reducing waste.
Since its birth in 1830 in the northern part of Pennsylvania in the United States as a woolen mill, the company has grown alongside the American economy through the manufacturing of practical workwear and continues its history as the most traditional outdoor wear brand to this day, offering uncompromising functionality and highly sensitive and contemporary designs. Today, it is the oldest American outdoor apparel company, with two distinct labels: Woolrich, a contemporary high-end outerwear line sold globally, and Woolrich Outdoor, designed by Goldwin, a Japanese partner outdoor specialist. Woolrich goods combine the brand’s historical identity with a new understanding, drawing on 190 years of experience and a rich American heritage. The original Woolrich Arctic Parka, which debuted in 1972, is now regarded as the quintessential parka and a globally recognised brand icon.
As stated by the brand’s press release, “our design inspiration comes from over 190 years of history and the pioneering spirit that helped the culture of the American east coast grow and develop across the North Atlantic. We believe that the functional beauty of outdoor products in the future will be able to solve the problems we face by combining ideas that follow the natural order of things without compromising comfort or overburdening the user with technology.”
Materials research is still an important cornerstone: using creative fabrics such as Pertex™ nylon ripstop for the High Aeration Hoodie and combining sustainable high-performance materials for the Hybrid Hoodie and Crewneck, are key practises in the garment’s design. To highlight the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the range also includes models made from Tencel™ fabrics derived from recycled eucalyptus trees and Bring Technology™ items sourced from pre-consumer apparel.
Their collaboration with Gore-Tex continues with the Mountain Stroll Jacket and the Short Jacket thanks to the Infinium™ line which guarantees reliable protection against wind and water.
The collection is available from April 8th, exclusively in the Milan, New York, Tokyo, and Sapporo stores as well as Woolrich.com.