ROA ROA Hiking really didn’t disappoint this season with their great display of footwear and apparel. Located in their own separate space next to Slam Jam, you become immersed within the brand once you step inside. The apparel for this season is really fun and experimental and from visiting their archive at MDW a few months back it was amazing to see how it was used as reference points within this season’s collection. Our favorite piece was the mushroom knit top! Footwear is what ROA is most known for and their statement shoe this year (and our personal favorite) has to be the mule with the additional heel support. Their lineup is looking really solid for this coming season. Check out our review of their first ready-to-wear AW22 collection via the link below:
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VIRBAM x SLAM JAM Vibram and Slam Jam have joined forces again to collaborate for Spring Summer, this time dropping the ‘Low Mule' silhouette. It’s based on their collaborative thermoformed shoe, but this time around it’s much lower and more suitable for the warmer climate. The shoe comes in an array of different colours including a creme, burgundy and black. It features a chunky cushioned sole and subtle dual branding on the sides. Check out our THM Marcoshots review of the first silhouette at the link:
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DEMON Demon’s new collection on display at Slam Jam showcased the brand's approach to finishes and evolution on their already classical silhouettes. Crazy materials and finishes made for eye candy for us as fans. New climbing inspired silhouette was a standout feature in the collection, proving Demon’s design prouesse. Utilising actual climbing shoe materials for the sole, this morphed shoe will definitely be a smash hit for the brand. Read our interview with DEMON's creative director Alberto Deon at the link:
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SUICOKE Located within the Slam Jam showroom, Suicoke had on display a variety of their staples. Perfect for Summer Suicoke does what they do best by providing shoes that are cozy and also functional. This time around it was very summer focused with silhouettes present such as slip ons, sandals, flip-flops and their Vibram FiveFingers collaboration. There were also some very vibrant colours in there - all round summer vibes. |
CHARLIE CONSTANTINOU An exciting discovery for us, Charlie is making waves within the apparel industry. His recent collaboration with 66North has earned him a cult-like following in the technical scene and rightfully so. For his own collection he has been experimenting a lot with denim and using the fabric within much more technical silhouettes. The pieces are really experimental and flow really well – Charlie takes silhouettes we are often familiar with but does them in a totally different way, while also experimenting and already known for his dyeing process. His collection features a mix of mens and womens garments and notably includes a special collaboration with Demon footwear which compliments the apparel nicely. |
EARLY MAJORITY We had the pleasure of visiting the Early Majority showroom which was located in its founder's home in the center of Paris. The team made us feel really at home – an overall super personal communication and experience that stood out from the rush and hecticness of fashion week. The clothing on display was equally as lovely and for SS24 the brand is introducing some really well cut pieces, as well as adding new improvements to older ones. Notably we are big fans of their upcoming Jeremy Dean collab which was on show there. To check what Early Majority was offering at the last PFW this winter click the link below:
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DESCENTE ALLTERRAIN The Descente showroom really proved that these guys are at the pinnacle of their game right now. Their main-line was just one of the three they featured and it had a great range of really well crafted technical wear consisting of shell jackets, lightweight pants and more. Their new I/O range was also on display which is a much more casual approach to functional apparel, that can be used in everyday scenarios, it included some really nice summer proof fabrics and silhouettes best suited for the warmer climates. The real show stopper however was the ‘Descente Allterrain 81’ collection which includes some really mind blowing craftsmanship. The Gore-Tex red shell is our favorite hero piece from this line. Read more about their latest collaboration with Côte&Ciel via our THM Macroshots review at the link:
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J EONGL I J EONGL I is a South Korean designer who has really started to establish himself within the scene and his SS24 collection makes for a solid array of weather appropriate functional pieces. Jeong adds accessories such as waterproof caps for this season, implementing a whole new aspect to the brand. He also still covers the heavier duty side of things with his shell trench coat and shell pants. Lightweight shorts and track tops make up some of the more lighter pieces which are beautifully constructed and feature fine detailing. To check what J EONGL I was offering at the last PFW this winter click the link below:
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PAREL Lifestyle brand Parel came prepped and ready for SS24 with both their apparel and footwear. The hero item within the whole collection was the Zellerfeld collaborative shoe – a 3D printed shoe made entirely from material that’s fully recyclable and doesn't require a factory to produce. In hand this shoe was really stunning and we can’t wait for them to be released to the public so you guys can see for yourselves. As for apparel the brand offered a really nice full range, that has you covered for just about anything. We love their new and subtle change to their branding and the soft shell jackets are extra impressive especially. |
WORKS AND DAYS Works And Days is a small brand that is run by just two people. What we like about their collection the most is that you can tell each piece has had so much thought put into it, from the fabric choice to the cut and shape of the garment. The overall collection was a really nice blend of both technical and tailored apparel – it’s the type of clothing you can wear almost anywhere on any day. Our favorite piece out of the entirety of the collection however, was a white button up shirt made from Cordura Cotton Blended Fabric. This fabric makes the garment extremely durable and water resistant, something very rarely seen in shirts and formal wear. To check what Works and Days was offering at the last PFW this winter click the link below:
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DBJOURNEY DB Journey is a Scandinavian luggage company who are creating incredibly impressive gear. Their Polycarbonate cases use 70% recycled shells (from SP24 all the softgoods will be 100% recycled), make them much better for the environment and they’re so durable that they will last you far longer than any other regular suitcase. DB Journey is making luggage for all kinds of specialized use cases. The most relevant to us is their content creator luggage line. With luggage that is able to protect high tech equipment and inserts that are curated for cameras and accessories they’re ideal for any photographer or video content creator. A fun addition to their luggage is that you’re able to attach and detach their bags and smaller pieces, allowing for easier transportation. Also a special shoutout to their sales team who really looked after us and gave us a thorough breakdown of each item! |
RAEBURN Raeburn is a British brand, knowing for it's full upcycling approach and creating innovative garments that are heavily inspired / used by military wear. Within the collection there are numerous references to the military, including rain-proof jackets that feature old map graphics and jackets inspired by old military hazmat suits. Whilst here we also got the chance to see one of the reference suits and it was great to see how history can inspire modern design still to this day. Overall the collection was really interesting and the layers behind it made for a very immersive collection. |
DANNER The Danner Boots showroom is a true testament to their craftsmanship. The showroom showcases an impressive collection of meticulously crafted shoes using materials of the highest standard. They offer a great variety of footwear for this season from durable rugged hiking boots to more stylish urban sneakers. It’s a brand that has been at the pinnacle of shoemaking for many years now and they show no signs of slowing down for Spring Summer and beyond. |
CÔTE&CIEL Parisian accessory and bag brand Côte&Ciel had a very busy fashion week with the launch of both their new store in Paris and the showcasing of their new collection. Focusing on the collection for now, the new selection brings some very exciting and functional everyday pieces. The showroom is decorated with hanging bags that display new backpacks, side bags and straps. The new capsule items come in a sage type green and a very off orange. The colors really make the newer pieces stand out and their functionality like everything the brand does – it is completely unmatched. Read our latest interview with a team in their Berlin HQ at the link below:
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SNOW PEAK Snow Peak put on another incredible display along with Houdini yet again for this fashion week. The use of both outdoor and indoor spaces really helped to showcase who they are as a brand and what they’re about. Within the outdoor space like last year was a full camp set-up made entirely of Snow Peak gear – very impressive! The indoor space was where all the garments were situated and we got the chance to delve deep into their new collection. The SS24 range included some really technical pieces that are essential for the exploration of the outdoors and it also showcased some more playful graphical garments that are perfect for those more casual occasions this summer. The Fisherman Collection is also a part of this season and offers all of the fishing essentials at a highest quality with fun Snow Peak branding. Read more about the brand in our TECHUNTER 06 ONLINE issue, at the link below:
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HOUDINI SPORTSWEAR Sharing the same space with Snow Peak was Houdini. Houdini's range for this season is really quite something. Their ‘Made to Life’ collection was also on show here which is a really impressive collaboration with [A]industri – a Swedish garment design and production company. The initiative for this collection is to try and produce as little waste as possible by creating garments on a made to order basis and making them as versatile as possible so that they are best suited for any occasion. Their regular Houdini line was also on display inside and this also didn’t disappoint. There was a great selection which experimented with colour and fabric at an absolute next level. The Orange Jacket, lightweight three layer and waterproof skirts make for personal favorites. Read our interview with Houdini's CEO Eva Karlsson from TECHUNTER 07 ONLINE issue at the link below:
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MANORS GOLF Manors Golf is a brand that’s really making waves within the functional apparel industry and within the golf scene. The brand creates garments with the aim of introducing a new audience to the sport so that others will see it in a different, more open and modern angle. Often golf has been perceived as a very exclusive sport that is inaccessible to most, but Manors wants to change that. By creating clothing that is both functional for the sport and versatile enough to wear everyday it opens up the door for more people to become involved with the sport. The pieces from the collection were top tier and even made us want to jump in that golf cart! |
PURPLE MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORY Purple Mountain Observatory, or as it was previously known as Carrier Goods, offers a colorful display of innovative pieces for their new collection. The brand has been experimenting heavily with new materials for this installment and in doing so they have created some really unique items. First off is the puffer jacket and vest, that is made from heat reactive material and changes colour in response to heat – that never ceases to amaze! They have also curated a jacket and camping blanket made from an incredible silk blend that feels and looks amazing. The use of bright and often tye-dye colours throughout the collection make it really fun and experimental for the outdoor space. To check what Purple Mountain Observatory / Carrier Goods was offering at the last PFW this winter click the link below:
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GR10K For SS24 GR10K has created a stable platform: a definition of boundaries and styles that can propel creativity without being so forceful. This season feels totally new and there are noticeably less references to older seasons within this collection. Whilst these references have always been a core aspect of the brand itself and often created a great amount of nostalgia there is also the sense of a very exciting new direction that the brand is taking here. The technical canvas suit and the kevlar zip-up hoodie are great highlights from this collection. To check what GR10K was offering at the last PFW this winter click the link below:
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DISTRICT VISION The Californian eye-wear brand District Vision’s showroom was right in the center of Paris and offered a mix of shades as well as their apparel. Here we got the chance to see some of their most prolific eye-wear models in person, as well as the chance to see some prototypes that are expected to be released in the near future. The use of colors and branding throughout the selection really make these innovative pieces stand out and the same can be said for the apparel. The collection for this season hosts a variety of different functions – some being more tailored for activewear and some more technical and heavy. Our favorites are Titanium Made In Japan sunglasses range and the Arctic Running apparel collection! |
LTEKS South Korean brand LTEKS has been one of our favorites for a number of years. The cuts, the silhouettes and the immaculate craftsmanship, powered by their parent company KOLON, is a rare well executed merger of form and function. On display we were able to see the lightweight membrane and technical pieces for multiple weather conditions, alongside the highly sought after collaborative jacket LTEKS created with PAF [Post Archive Faction], another darling of the functional fashion. Some yet unreleased samples of shoes and accessories added to a very thought through and focused collection, which we are very excited to see go live. Read our latest review on there Edition 04 collection at the link:
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HH-118389225 Helly Hansen for this season is trying to compete at the highest level and it’s definitely heading for the top. Their new collection finds the perfect balance of technical city and the outdoors, creating some really stand out garments. Jackets feature subtle tonal branding which we are very fond of and some of the more experimental feature reverse taping details. For SS24 the brand has gone very outerwear focused and noticeably there are less bags and accessories from previous collections. The collection feels tighter and more focused. It’s nice to see the brand is aiming for those high levels within the functional market. Read more about the past collections in our THM Macroshots review at the link:
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