FITTED WARMTH, THOUGHTFUL DETAILS=A POLISHED COLLECTION
OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, Salt Lake City Palace
WORDS, IMAGES JUDITH ECOCHARD
ISIS is a women’s collection of clothing that can “fit” into the many categories of a modern woman’s wardrobe. Everyday wear, work wear, performance wear, travel clothes etc.
It is curious to us---we didn’t know the brand prior to last August’s OR tradeshow. But since then we’ve noticed the signature ISIS star icon subtly embroidered on coats, skirts etc…of many female subway passengers here in the Big Apple.
So we admit---guess we were unawares…but strongly agree that ISIS “is moving in an awesome direction,” according to Pam Bates, our guide to Fall 2009’s lineup.
Hands down, the star of this Fall 2009 collection - we feel- is the stylish "Slipstream Jacket" (part of the aptly named Warmth Collection). The toasty 800-fill down outer piece has an intricate zig- zag quilting pattern that makes this garment chic, not Michelin Man, while the nylon facing and velvet lined collar…will keep a wearer dry and warm ($229). Nice job…it reminds us of pricier collections like Moncler.
In fact, warm outerwear?performance wear that FITS is an ISIS hallmark. We think the refreshed, fitted 650-fill down "Snow Queen"-in gray –that's kitted up with seven pockets, including a hidden zipped one, a detachable faux fur banded hood, fabric covered buttons and again, a flattering profile courtesy of the thoughtful quilting pattern- will be the retail favorite.
And ISIS deft use of bold color and ethnically inspired prints gets a fashionable turn with the now 10 years old 350 gram, 650-fill "Niobe" down jacket that comes in four solid tones with a printed lining…or two print options with a solid lining.
This collection also has one of the more practical and pack-able jackets we saw- that can go from the backwoods to back offices; the updated “Whisper” that comes with its own stuff sack. The “Dahlia” a reversible, gloriously printed (looks hand painted) jacket ($149) or vest ($129), also travels well. We liked the invisible fleeced line pockets ourselves, as our hands are always cold.
The swirled star pattern embroidery of the Thinsulate enhanced “Northern Light” hooded city length coat….is eye catching too. But like most ISIS separates…it’s the details…like the fleeced lined body, the nylon reinforced seat “so it doesn’t catch”…that make the line special.
ECO ALERT: The “Tengo Frio” (very cold) jacket (in a powerful RED here) is buttery soft with an outer shell made from 100% recycled polyester, boasts a fleece line collar, and isprimed to ward off the cold with the new eco Primaloft fabric. ($199)
INFO: ISIS