JohnAAG
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2016
- Messages
- 2,490
- Reaction score
- 14,731
@am55 I always enjoy learning more about the ways certain elements of style were incorporated in different countries. The practical and functional aspects of outdoor style are certainly part of its appeal. And I was also a big Vuarnet fan back in the day!
Cheers!
The brands one wore said a lot about your "tribe". In Canada at that time, there was a strong U.S. influence. So Patagonia, North Face, Royal Robbins, Woolrich and brands like that all had a place in our closets (Pataonia catalogs were our bibles back then). But we also had distinctly Canadian brands (for that time). For example, Arc'Teryx hardware (climbing harnesses and backpacks) were very revolutionary in the early 90s and everyone wanted them. Around the mid-90s they were one of the first manufacturers to use 3ply Gore-Tex fabric in their outerwear and, combined with more minimalist designs, it was a real game changer. I remember being in Joshua Tree in 1998 with my Arc'Teryx gear and all the U.S. climbers asking me about it. European labels were also important, especially in footwear and hardware. La Sportiva, Raichle and Garmont were popular. And we also mixed in some distinctly Canadian workwear and artisanal brands.
I think if there's one element of "outdoor style" that's at the root of it's cross-over into other style genres it's the technical fabrics and the way other designers started to use them. For example, @xeoniq often discusses fabrics that I'm quite familiar with. But I don't think anyone would think he's dressed to go out on a 6 day hike in the woods. He's selected technical pieces that are much more refined and minimalist in their style with more of a CM influence, but they still offer a high level of performance. Personally, I think that's a great example of creativity on the part of the designers when it comes to re-interpreting what a specific style genre has to offer.
@Clouseau and @cocostella I'd never heard the term Hikerdelic before so I did a quick search for it. That brought back some memories! The retro style anoraks with the big colorblock designs, the rugby shirts, etc. For me, it definitely has that late 1970s to early 90s dirtbag outdoor style vibe. When I recently visited the outdoor shops in the U.S. (REI, LL Bean) for the first time in about 20 years, I was a little shocked to see how those old school styles were making a comeback. It was almost like nothing had changed in the two decades I was away.
Personally, I am now finding myself drawn to brands that are blending together heritage styling with technical performance. Grenfell, Private White, Fjallraven, some pieces from Barbour. I think some of Patagonia's archive inspired pieces are also interesting. And here on SF, I'm enjoying many of the pieces SEH Kelly is producing (lots of thought put into their designs).
I think if there's one element of "outdoor style" that's at the root of it's cross-over into other style genres it's the technical fabrics and the way other designers started to use them. For example, @xeoniq often discusses fabrics that I'm quite familiar with. But I don't think anyone would think he's dressed to go out on a 6 day hike in the woods. He's selected technical pieces that are much more refined and minimalist in their style with more of a CM influence, but they still offer a high level of performance. Personally, I think that's a great example of creativity on the part of the designers when it comes to re-interpreting what a specific style genre has to offer.
@Clouseau and @cocostella I'd never heard the term Hikerdelic before so I did a quick search for it. That brought back some memories! The retro style anoraks with the big colorblock designs, the rugby shirts, etc. For me, it definitely has that late 1970s to early 90s dirtbag outdoor style vibe. When I recently visited the outdoor shops in the U.S. (REI, LL Bean) for the first time in about 20 years, I was a little shocked to see how those old school styles were making a comeback. It was almost like nothing had changed in the two decades I was away.
Personally, I am now finding myself drawn to brands that are blending together heritage styling with technical performance. Grenfell, Private White, Fjallraven, some pieces from Barbour. I think some of Patagonia's archive inspired pieces are also interesting. And here on SF, I'm enjoying many of the pieces SEH Kelly is producing (lots of thought put into their designs).
Cheers!