“MORE THAN JUST A CLOTHING LINE” THAT “PROTECTS- CONSERVES- RESPECTS AND PRESERVES…FOR MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN
OUTDOOR RETAIL MARKET, SALT LAKE CITY, August 10th
Words, Images -Judith Ecochard
We dropped in sans appointment to get a glimpse of the spacious Mission Playground display near closing time. Luckily Brian, a sales team member-showed us the highlights - and we immediately got why the casual threads for guys and gals-scored some major retail interest at this tradeshow. In fact, the sales guy from “the second floor” of the huge Paragon Sporting Goods in NYC was there –writing an order.
For why this collection of products designed for active types is “a chick magnet” according to Brian (love that)…we just needed to take a peek at the men’s colorful tees with a swinging kid emblazoned on the back. Sweet.
What’s New:
For Spring/Summer ’09, three new lines (The Fresh Air, Sweet Life, Outdoor Revival) are set to hit retail shelves in a few months.
The Fresh Air is the epitome of fashion forward style that “offers state-of-the-art performance apparel and accessories constructed of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.”
We loved the v-neck W Inspire Tank with screen-printed graphics oozing positivism on the left side… made from 100% recycled PET bird’s eye knit that’s anti-bacterial, moisture wicking, and UV resistant. The partial zipper front M Shephard Top made from light as air, breathable 100% Versus (merino) wool jersey that’s naturally totally breathable, and bacteria resistant...is contemporary cool without trying too hard.
The Sweet Life collection has “classy and sexy” separates in trendy patterns (fifties plaid) and fabrics (100% organic cotton-in cord and slub/jersey textures, Chaque Jour Terry-an organic cotton/spandex French terry blend). Crew neck tees for gals-like the Seeds Tee with a back shoulder “kid on the swing” logo, - are cut a little lower to reveal some collarbone, and the length is longer than the average shirt on the market (low-rise friendly).
We also liked the Willow Dress with a flattering side tie, self fabric inner snap to hold it together, a removable zipper waistband pocket, and delicate screen print details on the bottom left.
For guys-their inner cowboys are channeled in the hipster worthy Heston Top with contrast stitching, pearlized M.P. buttons and an asymmetrically yoked back.
It’s fitting that the two denim pants-the Plainsman Jean and the Autry Jean-are cut well, sport neat but masculine details (slash pockets, back pockets placed just so)…and would actually be something most regular guys would wear.
The Outdoor Revival assortment directly references nature with “sustainable products that feature unique aesthetics and thought provoking graphics that inspire preservation of our playground.”
Okay.
We applaud the use of 100% Organic Cotton Mission Jersey that make up a slew of flattering tops available for women…including our pick-the Lifeline tee with the MP preserve the Playground sleeve logo and the back shoulder “kid on the swing.”
The Commuter Pant (M&W) that is technical enough for our bicycle commutes (lower leg cinch)- and presentable enough for the office…is an excellent example of the on trend, cross functional clothes that are selling well.
FACTOIDS: The Design Team is headed by Lyndsie Nash who toiled at North Face.
Mission Playground mix and match, garment colors seemingly all work with each other- including plucked from Nature names like Seawater green, Pomogranite, Cedar, Heron, and Gull gray.
INFO: MISSION PLAYGROUND