PERFORMANCE TOUGH COVERUPS THAT FASHIONISTAS COVET
OUTDOOR RETAILER MARKET, SLC UTAH
Words, Judith Ecochard
Images Courtesy of Canada Goose
and J. Ecochard
Canada Goose is a sophisticated luxury collection of highly technical outwear that has gained favor with NYC chicettes who dread all weatherly elements, (chi-chi retailers like Bergdorf’s and Barney’s carry the line)
…and with impossibly stylish Italian BCBG/Sloane Ranger types.
We got that in a NY minute…since we were reminded of the French brand Moncler as soon as we laid eyes on the display racks in the uncluttered OR booth.
And another thought REALLY crossed our minds too----after we tried on the bright snowy white Kensington, a slim profile, insulated mid-thigh parka that is snuggly filled with primo, proprietary 625 fill power white duck down…
…the separates should’a been tagged with security gizmos…as this booth was smack dab up front / near an exit…and we were oh so tempted to grab and go…
Good thing the samples were “M” and we’re “XS”--- (Ladies sizes typically come in XXS-XL)…and we weren’t “Raised On Robbery” like that fellow compadre-the Canadian singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell.
Actually, we could have exited with every women’s style we tried on…like the classic on trend bomber, the Chilliwack Parka with a special luxe merino wool shell (80%)--- outfitted with an adjustable tunnel hood to keep the wind out, plenty of pockets for our stuff including an inner security and two hand warming fleece lined pockets, and elasticized, nylon-reinforced rib-knit cuffs and waistband that helps keep us toasty- and nails the figure enhancing silhouette down cold. (Available in Brown, Graphite, and Fall 2009’s “IT” color, Purple…and a Men’s version in Brown, Graphite in sizes XXS-XXXL).
What we particularly appreciate--- Canada Goose is 100% made in Canada and they don’t slack off on any details that’ll truly protect us form extreme conditions- whether we’re scaling the challenging Adirondacks with our crampons/snowshoes- or the subway steps- during Rush Hour---- like YKK two-way zippers, or special blends of specially sourced feathers.
Being practical types, we loved the new, Hutterite down filled, lightweight, mid layer vests and ‘can wear with or alone’ jackets/shells (the rugged Lodge-men’s---- the tough and feminine Camp Down –Women’s) tricked out with super light 20d Pertex® Nylon triple rip stop that’s windproof and abrasion resistant, sport thoughtfully placed draw cords, (pockets, waists, collars), has compartments galore easily accessed and sealed up (Velcro®)...and pack flat and easy.
Retailers at OR were hot on the suave pinstriped, hip length Pearson Field Jacket (Men’s S-XXL) punched up with… waterproof, breathable Schoeller®c_change™ membrane, a separate phone pocket inside the right hand pocket, a MP3 compatible with rubberized wire port and wire keeper, Velcro® self-fabric cuff tabs, pit zips for ventilation, shoulders with two way stretch…etc.
A waterproof Photo Jacket (Men’s XS-XXL) was specifically designed for media hounds that need to keep their equipment they haul around (camera, lenses, flashes, cords), protected against whatever the skies dish out. Flourishes include extra large zipped pockets, two way accessible utility pockets, 2-way adjustable hood stows in collar, Cordura® reinforced shoulders embellished with functional epaulets to keep the camera secure.
Or for the regular types, they look cool.
A SPECIAL COLLECTION: The street savvy fashion designer YUKI MATSUDA’s Canada Goose separates ---the Corduroy (treated with DWR for water resistance) cut longer in the back (smart) Vest, Snorkel Bomber and long thigh length Expedition. (Colors Black, Brown, Orange).
TWO THUMBS WAY UP: Canada Goose has partnered with retailer The North West Company and First Air…donating free material leftovers so that native sewers can stitch up their own jackets. To quote from the press release:
"Canada Goose counts on the iconic imagery of the Canadian North when we sell our brand around the world, and this is our way to say thank you,” said Kevin Spreekmeester, vice president of marketing for Canada Goose. “Canada Goose Resource Centers give us the opportunity to recycle high-quality fabrics and premium materials that have been discontinued. Northern sewers often have to cobble together odds and ends to create their designs; hopefully, this will help. Thankfully, we are able to work with tremendous corporate partners like The North West Company and First Air whose generosity helps make this initiative come to life."
INFO: CANADA GOOSE