Sustainable urban+outdoor apparel - integrated designs for the modern mobile life.
Outdoor Retailer Fall/Winter 2010, Salt Lake City, UTAH
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
NAU is an ideal apparel line for our lifestyle--- (and no, we don’t get freebies).
WHY:
The multifaceted, minimalist and modern attire under the NAU label are stylishly urban sleek but have all the technical features that we expect from most of our performance wear that we swath on ourselves when pursuing challenging outdoor activities.
Sustainable textiles (i.e. certified organic cotton, recycled poly) are extensively used and the manufacturing process itself incorporates true environmental practices/awareness.
There are many, many active wear labels bumping up the style quota via color choices, fabric selections that allow for flattering silhouettes, and multi-use functionality. And the outdoor industry is a leader in eco practices…after all; this is the great OUTDOORS that drives us all.
But NAU’s MO (plus “beauty”) has been that way from day one.
This past Outdoor Retailer had NAU display mannequins out there on the well trafficked aisle- next to parent company, Horny Toad—a hip casual/travel wear line we will review later.
Every time we cruised by, we noticed attendees stopping to look at the separates on display.
WHAT'S NEW:
For Fall/Winter 2010 the “classics with a lot of thoughtful design” techy features include a bumped up hip version of a men’s Shroud of Purrin lined blazer and a Dualist’s performance lifestyle blazer (men and woman).
Again it’s the details…like a collar that comes up and securely protects, a zipped front and back pocket (appreciated by bike riders), elongated sleeves that cover the top of hands.
The Decipher jacket for women has soft shell functionality but with lots of stretch for grabbing subway car or bike handle bars=== or to grab onto a boulder.
Another cool piece is the orange waterproof jacket (M),
and great fitting “simple” jeans that flatter without the over the top design features of other denim brands.
and great fitting “simple” jeans that flatter without the over the top design features of other denim brands.
An incredibly lightweight down coat for gals is super warm (850g Down) that is water repellent and squish-able enough to pack down into a backpack, or suitcase.
A trench is a wardrobe “must”---and NAU’s version (Splendor) has a high collar that makes it an effective outdoor piece in all seasons...and it’s waterproof/breathable too
OTHER PLUSES:
Shirts are lined for warmth but look just right in a business meeting under a blazer. And the pants, have that hip boyfriend fit---but can be worn shredding the slopes too--- or hiking the trails.
The last look we saw is a terrific option…the Rounding House dress. Why we love it…the round zippers define the shape and enhance a gal’s curves, the material is recycled and soft to the touch, easy clean/drip dry==== and travel proof.
This is the kind of chic dress we would stuff into our backpacks when trekking the world…and put on when we rejoin civilization for a glam meal…
And we know, we would look so fashionista fabulous.
INFO: NAU
Fall/Winter 2010 ships summer 2010.