The North Face A/W ’19
As with many brands which start off with functionality at their heart, The North Face is a brand that has slowly transcended culture over the past 60 years. From its early years as a specialist in outdoor and climbing wear, we’ve seen it make an organic transition from the mountain top to the inner-city.
It’s not just the brand’s innovative technologies that have been so appealing, though. Unique styles and retro artworks have also been an attractive factor for those who seek out some of the brand’s most coveted jackets. These designs, which have been adopted by streetwear aficionados and subcultures alike, have contributed to the brand’s universal seal of approval through the years.
Lucky for us, we’re stocking a selection of The North Face’s iconic designs this season. Below, I’ll be shedding light on why some of these jackets have migrated from the outdoors to more urban surroundings.
The Nuptse
First released in 1992, The North Face’s Nuptse lifted its name from the soaring mountain that neighbours Mount Everest. It touched down at a time when TNF was expanding and innovating with the help from athletes, mountaineers – and even the US Marine Corps. However, it wasn’t just outdoor enthusiasts that took a liking to the puffer. The Nuptse’s signature black colourway, simple styling and insulating 700-fill goose down lining found its way off the mountains and onto the back of a more casual wearer. These features also saw the jacket strike a chord with hip-hop communities around the globe, and by the time the early ‘00s came, the Nuptse had become a staple of hip-hop uniform.
Now, the Nuptse remains as relevant in streetwear as ever, and we’re very pleased to be stocking it this season. The jacket is available in a selection of 2-colour make-ups and black panels synonymous with the brand. Each Nuptse comes stuffed with lightweight 700 fill goose down to keep you warm in sub-zero temperatures, while a quick-drying, water-repellent outer layer shrugs off water with ease.
Mountain Jacket
From its first design, The North Face’s Mountain Jacket changed the world of mountaineering. Born out of Berkeley, California, the outdoor-minded innovator helped mountaineers conquer the world’s highest peaks. Its tried-and-tested tech has garnered a renowned reputation that has lasted for well over three decades.
In recent years, the Mountain Jacket’s bold colour combinations and protective features have found a place in urban streetwear. Our selection of the water-repellent wonder come, once again, designed with iconic panelling and signature black hues. Referencing the retro classics that have come before it.
Lhotse
While it may not be as celebrated as its younger sibling the Nuptse, the goose down-filled Lhotse jacket packs just as much of a punch. Coining its name from the fourth highest mountain in the world,– it originally touched down as part of The North Face’s Expedition System Line in 1990. The range kitted out some of the world’s most seasoned explorers with kit built to withstand the harshest of conditions.
Thankful stockists of the Lhotse this season, the all-new style arrives at size? with retro colourways and torso-hugging tech. Like slipping into your duvet, its insulating 700 fill goose down is the perfect partner for those bitter mornings commuting to work or waiting for the car to defrost. It’s finished with two zip side pockets so you can safely stow away your valuables when you’re out and about.
Denali Fleece
Inspired by the success of their Denali Jacket, the Denali Fleece brings you outdoor comfort in a street-ready style. The winter warmer is dressed in a two-colour make-up, harking back to the brand’s much-loved vintage styles. It’s made from fleeced polyester for supreme levels of cosy comfort, while pit zips under the arms offer breathability when you need it most.