Why Columbia Black Label is perfect for the urban outdoors.
Columbia Sportswear, a historic American outdoor manufacturer, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. COLUMBIA BLACK LABEL" was launched to feed back the functional materials and details cultivated in the field over the years to urban living. The recently released collection for the 2018 spring/summer season is more sophisticated than ever and fits the casual urban style. We picked up a few items of particular interest.
Photo_Satoshi Eto (Model), Shinichi Miura (Interview)
A functional mountain jacket with a 3-layer waterproof and breathable shell. This high-tech material even has a water-repellent finish, yet is smooth to the touch and lightweight for comfort. The jacket also features practical details such as a zippered pocket that allows access to the inner jacket pocket.
PINCHOT MOUNTAIN™ JACKET ¥34,000+TAX
Color: Crouton, Collegiate Navy
Editor's Comments
Sophisticated design for business use.
The design is of the orthodox stainless collar coat type, so it can be worn on-business as well if you choose a calm color such as navy. Of course, it can be worn casually as well. In addition, the waterproof and breathable material and the longer length of the coat keep out the wind and rain, so it's a good choice for the rainy season ahead. Despite its functionality, it does not have the stiffness characteristic of high-tech materials, so it is great to be able to wear it stress-free.
Pick Up Item 02_BENNET RUNNER™ JACKET
It is by far the lightest and most packable.
It is made of Omni-Tech, a 2.5-layer waterproof and breathable material made for even lighter weights. The hood is folded into the standing collar, and can be used with or without the hood depending on the scene and outfit. It is also packable and can be stored in a small package, making it convenient for carrying around.
BENNET RUNNER™ JACKET ¥24,000+TAX
Color: Golden Brown, Black
Editor's Comments
With or without the hood, the range of dressing styles expands.
When you actually hold it in your hand, you will be surprised at how lightweight it is. It is even more surprising because it is waterproof and breathable. Moreover, it is packable, so you can always keep it in your bag without it getting in the way, and it is perfect for taking on business trips and vacations. The fact that the hood can be stowed away is also a nice detail that broadens the range of your outfits. It also has zip pockets to prevent the contents from falling out or getting wet, making it an itchy piece of clothing.
Pick Up Item 03_VEDDER GARDEN™ JACKET
Functional jacket with a famous motif.
This jacket is inspired by Columbia's historical masterpiece, the multi-pocket fishing vest. Like the vest, it has numerous pockets on the front and back, giving it a functional feel. The fabric has a water-repellent finish, so it can withstand a little bit of rain. This is a piece of clothing that lets you fully enjoy Columbia's heritage.
VEDDER GARDEN™ JACKET ¥22,000+TAX
Color: State Orange, Black
Editor's Comments
A dress that can be layered and enjoyed.
The jacket is based on the motif of that famous item, and it is a coveted piece of clothing even if you are not a fan. The vivid orange color, which is also used for hunting jackets, further enlivens the outdoor taste. Like the vest, the colorless design is also attractive. When you feel chilly, you can enjoy wearing it in layers, such as with a high-necked shirt as an inner layer.
Pick Up Item 04_MAKARORA BAY™ JACKET
Outdoor blouson with serious specifications.
This short blouson jacket is made of highly durable, lightweight and comfortable micro ripstop material. Furthermore, the combination of a water repellent finish that repels water droplets and Omni-Tech 3-layer waterproof breathable fabric gives this jacket a full-fledged outdoor look. Yet, the fabric is soft and comfortable to wear in any situation.
MAKARORA BAY™ JACKET ¥29,000+TAX
Color: Crouton, Collegiate Navy
Editor's Comments
The traditional design fits both in town and in the field.
The simple, traditional design fits a wide range of styling. The beige and navy colors are easy to use, so you can match it with any bottoms you like. With its authentic waterproof properties, it is sure to be useful as daily wear during the rainy season and as outerwear for light outdoor activities.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS_COLUMBIA BLACK LABEL × MOUNTAIN RESEARCH
Mountain Research reissues the masterpiece from the 80's!
CARBONATE BROOK™ VEST ¥25,000+TAX
This is the second special-order product with "Mountain Research," which was well-received during the 2017SS season. The second version of "HENRY'S FORK VEST" from the archives of designer Setsumasa Kobayashi, who collects Columbia's fishing vests, was used as the base model. The pockets, details, and size are faithfully reproduced from the original. An authentic fishing vest that retains its classical appearance has been completed.
Interview With Setsumasa Kobayashi, President of ......Research
First of all, please tell us why you were attracted to Columbia's fishing vests.
KobayashiAs a premise, I don't fish. For an outsider like myself, when I first encountered this fishing vest, it seemed to me like something mysterious. It was as if I had glimpsed the tip of the iceberg of the profound world of fishing. But if you look at it as a product design, it has an unusually high degree of perfection. I don't know the purpose of the many pockets and details, but that's why I find them romantic. It's interesting to imagine things like, "What will I put in these pockets? It's so interesting to imagine what they would put in these pockets (laughs).
Why did you decide to incorporate fishing vests into "street wear"?
KobayashiI'm the kind of person who usually doesn't want to carry a bag, so I use this vest as luggage wear. All my personal items like wallet, sunglasses, and keys fit in the pockets, and an iPad or so can fit in the game pocket on my back. The small pocket on the chest is perfect for smaller items like keys. It's essentially a tool for fishing, but I thought it would also make a great street gadget. This bumpy and rough design . . . I guess you could call it noise . . . . but I thought it would be just right to bring a sense of discomfort into street clothes.
HENRY'S FORK VEST" from the 80's to early 90's, the original for this special order. All of them are Mr. Kobayashi's personal belongings, and will be available in seven different colors.
This is the second special-order fishing vest, what are some of the key points?
KobayashiWhen comparing Columbia's various fishing vests, it is clear that this model is the most complete. Because it boasts a very high level of perfection, we dared not to make any changes from the original at that time for this special order. The ambiguous feeling of the era, just before it became too convenient, has been preserved, and the tone is exquisitely good, isn't it? In the 80's, there must have been many people who actually wore Columbia's fishing vests as fishing clothes. It would be interesting if those people would see this and come back, and I have a personal theme of seeing Columbia's fishing vests on the river once again, even though I don't fish myself (laughs). This time, we have European colors with softer tones. It is a nostalgic image of people from the past.
Compared to the previous special order, the "gear level" seems to have increased.
KobayashiAs I mentioned earlier, I have not tampered with it in any way, so it may be a difficult item for everyday styling. The silhouette is wide and the length is short, so it is difficult just to make a fishing vest (laughs).
When I tried it on, I thought it was indeed difficult to wear. However, it is an item that is challenging to conquer, or rather, it is an item that makes me want to coordinate it.
KobayashiA fishing vest is probably more of a tool than a fashion item. Because it is not a fashion merchandising item, it is not an item that says "anyone can wear it and look good," and it is worth the effort. It is an item that requires the wearer's sense of style, so it will surely be interesting to wear. I think there will be many times when you will be defeated in front of the mirror (laughs), but I hope you will win once or twice. If you do well, you can definitely wear it. Don't give up too soon (laughs).
Finally, what styling recommendations do you have?
KobayashiPersonally, I would wear it with a long, oversized shirt, short pants that are just below the knee, and sandals or sneakers. There is an interesting aspect to this vest in the way the size is constructed. If you can find your own way of wearing it while examining the silhouette, you have won. I feel like it can't be worn in the current American casual context, so I would be happy if you could bring a little more from various places and wear it in a crossover way, which would make it even more interesting. In any case, there is no doubt that it is a quite difficult item . . . (laughter)
Setsumasa Kobayashi
He is the head of ......Research, a label that researches clothing in all categories. Mountain Research, a division of Mountain Department, proposes a unique style of mountain living that mixes Ivy, punk, military, and other elements with American casual wear.
Columbia Black Label connects nature and the city.
Image movie of the 2018 SS collection shot in Portland, home of Columbia Sportswear. Portland, where nature and the city blend without boundaries, is a place that truly embodies the spirit of "Columbia Black Label. By watching the movie, you will realize how the essence of the outdoors that Columbia has cultivated fits into the city. We hope you enjoy the world of Columbia Black Label, which has become more sophisticated and functional than ever before.
