PACKABLE, VERSATILE SEPARATES WEAR EASY.
Outdoor Retailer Market, Salt Lake City Palace January 23rd, 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
We were bowled over (literally too…see below)… by the hugely desirable and highly functional garb set to hit retail shelves---from one of our fav clothing companies, Ex Officio.
Inspired by modern day jaunts along the ancient Silk Road, the men’s and women’s F/W 2009 offerings are practical, durable, made with the latest tech fabrics with high next to skin coziness, and are stylishly interchangeable with our everyday urban outfits.
Really, even those intrepid travelers who barely venture beyond their hometowns, will appreciate these mix and match pieces that seamlessly work with what they already own.
WHAT’S NEW:
Broken down into an Adventure, Destination and Outer (Under) Wear Collections…there are plenty of highlights…
Part of the Adventure/Roughian apparel series that’s “is designed for activities and climates around the tree-line…” a Takeover Trek’s Shirt for guys is cottony smooth to the touch, thanks to a 100% nylon textile- “Takeover Canvas.” The wear it everywhere snap shirt has three pockets (security chest, stacked utility), utility loop and roll up sleeves, …and no surprise, repels water, resists stains…and washes easy. ($88).
In the Destinations line, a collection of new separates made from wool and Soy’r™ the silky smooth, warm, and eco-friendly fabric (naturally odor and bacteria resistant)---joins the best selling men’s zipped and ¾ sleeve crew top.
Our top pics are the Yoga style pants and tank top for gals- that could work from the canyons of Wall Street to the canyons of the Grand one…depending on what we matchy-matchy them up with.
A comfy plush lady’s Persian Fleece hoody is just versatile.
And perfect for jamming into our carryalls, the wrinkle resistant drawstring waistband skirt, coined the SAVVY™ Skirt…can actually hike up and morph into a sleeveless dress too.
Outerwear gets a boost courtesy of CoreTech™-a supersoft fleece fabric that’s used in a men’s mid weight jacket and vest. Extremely wind-resistant. CoreTech Fleece is actually a three-layer laminate consisting of a protective polyester shell and a breathable membrane that has moisture wicking properties.
Another winner, the practically wrinkle free, stain resistant and always look good men’s Intrepid pants made from a brushed nylon eXo Dri™ Performance fabric…also comes in a feminine silhouette with a thicker waist band.
And gee whiz textiles aside, what makes Ex Officio special AND unusual---- are the details…the contrast overstitching on a shirt, the elegant flattering seams on a jacket, wear with everything neutral tones punched up with shots of contemporary bold shades…etc
We think in this economy…consumers are going to expect a lot more from their clothes…and much like ‘crossover shoes’ …want to get it down to a few key pieces that do it all.
INFO: EX OFFICIO
FUN FOR A CAUSE: Ex Officio’s annual Bowl-O-Rama at the AMZ Ritz Bowling Lanes, SLC served up high and low scores, lots of laughs….and raised money for the OUTDOOR INDUSTRIES WOMEN’S COALITION..an advococacy 501c (3)…via an often hilarious raffle drawing mc-ed by one VERY talented dude.
Image courtesy of Ex Officio
Thanks to Tubbs Snowshoes, Manzella Gloves and natch, Ex Officio for the good time.