For those of you who don't know, WGSN is the leading voice for trends, and is a go-to resource for brands and fashion houses around the world. Needless to say, it was an absolute thrill to find some of the work I have been a part of in a trend report recently issued.
The Future Festival Design Capsule report features a few images from the Cottweiler Collaboration I was a part of, and I'm so proud that I couldn't resist sharing:
To see more information, images and the inspiration behind the project, click here >
The project I worked on with Reebok x Cottweiler hit stores earlier this week! You can read more about it on:
“The SS18 collection fuses Reebok’s heritage in fitness with Cottweiler’s visionary take on contemporary menswear, as the range builds on the innovation and reiteration of fabrication and production techniques that includes UV protective layers, multi-functional, adaptable and packable silhouettes.”
— Renz Ofiaza - HIGH SNOBIETY
“The ultra-demanding Marathon Des Sables informed the collection, with participating athletes forced to endure a six-day trek through Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Aiming to blend comfortable sportswear with forward-looking clothes able to handle the punishing climate, Cottweiler sourced cutting-edge fabrics for the line — thus, certain items from the range are packable, weather-adaptable and UV resistant.”
The second collection for the collaboration I have been a part of with futuristic menswear label Cottweiler is now in stores. The project, which debuted in July at Fashion Week in London, includes a small collection of accessories including hydration and headwear pieces. Inspired by Marathon Des Sables, a desert marathon regarded as being the toughest footrace in the world, the collection provides apparel, footwear and accessories aimed to address the harsh conditions of the Sahara
For my part, I worked on:
a lightweight cap with a protective, detachable neck cover
a hydration waist belt
and a lightweight hydration vest/backpack hybrid
The Sahara Vest Backpack is particularly interesting, as it is based off the Spartan Hybrid backpack/vest I designed for Reebok in 2016. Designed with extreme racing conditions in mind, it served as a good base to work from. Where the Spartan Hybrid was designed to be indestructible, the Sahara Vest Backpack needed to be lightweight and have UPF protection. We updated the Cordura fabric to a lightweight nylon and altered pockets and details where appropriate, while still maintaining the close-fitting, ergonomic and unique properties of the Spartan Hybrid.
The Sahara Cap includes a removable neck flap and mouth guard to protect from sun and sand, and is fabricated in lightweight UPF fabric.
Streetwear blog Highsnobiety has posted a sneak peek of the Reebok x Cottweiler Collaboration I was a part of earlier this year. The collection has just landed in stores, and includes a number of accessories I worked on. Find the full article here.
Another collaboration I was a part of was recently released: the Reebok x Garbstore Commuter Pack, a capsule we developed with the famed streetwear brand to address how the clothing you wear can affect the journey you have.
The Insta Pump technology was the inspiration and anchor for this entire product capsule and re-incarnates the Pump’s original usage. The Pump Commuter Jacket is the first piece of apparel to feature Reebok’s signature technology as a fully integrated element of its design. Intended (though not exclusively) for travelling, the jacket’s removable bladder can be inflated for neck or lumbar support, and can be stored away in its own neoprene case when not in use.
I am so excited to share the backpack I worked on for this project, where we tweaked one of our beloved iconic styles that uses our infamous Insta Pump technology to create the perfect compliment to this collection. We used the Insta Pump technology in the shoulder straps for a customizable comfort-focused ergonomic fit, as well as Cordura nylon for durability on your commute, subtle reflective hits, and luxurious suede and leather that hook back to the shoe. The Pump Backpack also boasts ample storage space with a drawcord top closure, internal slip pocket with padded back, and sealed seams.
Check out what Dropdate had to say about the project:
“Garbstore’s Ian Paley has teamed up with Reebok on several of the most boundary-pushing collaborations in recent memory. While much of the footwear world focuses its attention on innovations of the future, Paley has tended to look at re-interpreting the technology, functionality and vintage materials of the past, with a focus on revealing the unseen components of some of Reebok’s most iconic classics.”
— www.thedropdate.com
Head over to Garbstore to get your hands on some of these coveted pieces.
Hypebeast recently shared a behind the scenes look at the Cottweiler for Reebok collaboration that debuted earlier this month at Pitti Uomo. The article provides a lot of great insight into the approach for this collaboration as well as the inspiration behind the FW17 capsule. Have a read and discover more from Cottweiler about the project concept, material usage and details.
Many of the shots include the accessories I worked on. You will see bags, caps and socks, all of which were designed with fabrics, executions and key details that tie back beautifully to the apparel and footwear. I am especially excited about the Memory Foam Holdall - a convertible backpack/duffle with a textural emboss that comes from the salt therapy inspiration for the entire project.
Image: Hypebeast
“The luggage is pretty important,” he says, picking up a backpack/holdall made from memory foam to show us. “This incorporates the entire collection – all of the fabrication, all of the detailing – it’s the concept piece for the accessories.”
— Ben Cottrell, as told to Jason Dike
For more information and images, visit Hypebeast.com
“The capsule collection, which will debut for Fall/Winter 2017, presented itself in the perfect balance between design and function. Technical fabrics were used through out the collection, which was mostly kept tonal, with a distinct techy edge to it. Truly giving the viewer the impression of looking at the future of sportswear, the collection which consists of both apparel and footwear, will for sure find its fans upon its release later this year. Stay tuned.”
— High Snobiety
VOGUE also posted an article, which you can read here.
Image: Vogue
“We had already been handed toweling bags with our press releases—the vibe was clearly therapeutic—and it was a theme transmitted through the clean, futuristic pieces on show.”
— Vogue
Image: Vogue
There will be more information about the project and images coming soon. Stay tuned!
Following the announcement that Cottweiler for Reebok is the Designer Project of Pitti Uomo 91, and I am thrilled to share that I have been working in collaboration with the London-based menswear label on the accessories for this collection. The FW17 will preview at the globally renowned fashion show next month in Florence.
I will be able to share more details after the show in January, but in the meantime, please see the below press release from Pitti Uomo:
Global fitness leader Reebok releases details on the brand’s first apparel, footwear and accessories partnership with forward thinking designers Cottweiler to launch for the FW17 season. The capsule collection embodies the DNA of both brands, fusing the technical and cultural legacy of Reebok with Cottweiler’s unique vision.
Founded by Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty, Cottweiler is known for blurring the lines between high fashion and sportswear, receiving critical acclaim in the process.
For FW17, the collection, COTTWEILER For REEBOK, combines highly technical fabrics to create timeless yet progressive pieces that signify a move into the next era of sportswear, in which design and function are both given equal importance.
