Harnessing urban adventure
Unique TABI collection showcases the natural performances of merino
Fashion meets innovation — with a touch of minimalist street style mixed in — with a new release from Icebreaker.
The clothing company, which specializes in offering “technical” performance clothing crafted from natural fibres, has partnered with Japanese clothing company GOLDWIN to create a unique capsule collection.
Justin Walford, the general manager and vice-president of Icebreaker North America, chatted with Postmedia News about the launch, what makes it different and his favourite piece.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Icebreaker?
A Icebreaker is the world’s first Natural Performance clothing company. We use natural fibres, including merino wool from high-country stations in New Zealand to build clothing. Icebreaker exists to inspire adventurous lives and explores relationships: between humans, between humans and nature, and between our skin and natural fibres. We believe you should enjoy nature wearing nature — and not oil-based synthetic fabric, which 90 per cent of “technical” clothing is derived from.
Who is the target customer?
We target adventurous consumers with timeless designs. We started Icebreaker to build simple and technical natural clothing for our core outdoor adventurer consumer. As humans cluster in cities, we’re extending our range — and our focus — to bring natural performance clothing to urban consumers as well.
What can you share about this new collection?
Designed by Japanese apparel house GOLDWIN and made in collaboration with Icebreaker, the TABI collection harnesses the natural performance qualities of merino with a refined esthetic. TABI, Japanese Kanji for “journey,” connects people to provenance and place. The TABI collection showcases a foray into an exciting new consumer base for Icebreaker, melding timeless esthetic and modern lifestyle in a line that resonates with the urban adventurer.
How is innovation showcased in this range?
The line features a nod to our innovative natural alternatives such as RealFLEECE, a natural and true fleece fabric that delivers the soft, natural warmth, comfort and durability of our superfine merino. It is designed to bring luxurious comfort and warmth to everyday life. From classically refined tees to the modern turtleneck, updated hoodies and a sleek sweat pant for every day use, the TABI collection really embodies the best of luxe and of classic basics.
What makes it different from the brand’s other product offerings?
GOLDWIN is a Japanese brand owner and design house, and is recognized as a leader in global apparel design. They design and retail The North Face in Japan, where they’ve infused street style and high-end fashion into the product line to create distinctly unique product that appeals to both Japanese and global tastes. The TABI collection is unique from the rest of our Icebreaker range. Taking our most technical natural fabrics, GOLDWIN has designed a collection 100 per cent for conscious urban consumers. The collection fuses fashion and function along with global design language to build something truly unique.
What is the price point for the launch?
The items range from $100 for our merino wool TABI Tech Lite Short Sleeve Crewe, through to $250 for the gorgeous RealFLEECE Sweat Parka, a key piece for everyday use with an elevated street wear look.
Do you have a favourite piece from the TABI collection? If so, which one and why?
The Men’s TABI Oasis cardigan has been a great seller so far and I love it for its classic style with updated lines and luxe feel.
Lastly, where can people check the line out?
The TABI collection launched mid-October, and will initially feature exclusively in store at the new Icebreaker Edmonton Touchlab in West Edmonton Mall until proliferation throughout Touchlabs across Canada and the United States. The collection is also available online at Icebreaker.com.