Written by Menswear Style in Brands on the 3rd November 2016

Photography by Gemma Boyle

A brand with a contemporary interpretation of iconic Americana and a sophisticated take on military, outdoor and utilitarian style. When describing Woolrich the first words that characterise the brand today are comfort, durability, resistance combined with simplicity and innovation. Simply put, they offer a collection of outerwear and sportswear that redefines American style with worldwide design influences.

The Original Arctic Parka was born in 1972, designed to handle the most extreme temperatures. It was originally designed for construction workers at the Alaskan pipeline. The first wool products manufactured by Woolrich were distributed by Rich himself, he travelled from one logging camp to another to sell fabric, socks and basic garments.

Winter 2016 will be defined as the period of the wool made in Woolrich, Pennsylvania: a return to origins, ranging from materials to the images for a AW16 collection that will be remembered by the lovers of the brand. Not only technical innovations but also a recovery of stock patterns and the desire for experimentation that the photographer of the latest advertising campaign, has been able to recreate in the place where it all started, the original American Mill.

One symbol of the collection is the Arctic Parka made in Merino Storm System fabric by Loro Piana. This product marks the collaboration between Woolrich and The Woolmark Company and will be presented exclusively in a European and American tour that will last throughout the month of November. Woolrich’s goal for AW16 is to adapt the characteristics of a mid-season or ‘transitional’ jacket to those of a winter garment, whilst keeping it light and resistant.

Photography is one of many ways through which Woolrich John Rich & Bros pursues and engages different worlds and principles, and for the this campaign they collaborated with conceptual photographer Jackie Nickerson on a road trip to its historic Woolen Mills in Pennsylvania both to celebrate the brand’s origins and uncover its next chapter. 

MenswearStyle got ahold of one of these new Arctic Parkas and put it to the test in London. The way this parka holds its shape is very satisfying. The wire in the hood which has the job of keeping good form in the wind also maintains an aesthetically pleasing shape. The new Arctic Parka also features handwarmer and patch flap pockets which are rather handy especially for icey cold days when you find yourself without gloves. It’s impressively insulated with 90% duck down and 10% feather with lining in 20 denier, ripstop. This means the parka is extremely light yet very warm at the same time.

We review the Original Arctic Parka by Woolrich John Rich & Bros once worn by Alaskan Pipeline workers in collaboration with Loro Piana and The Woolmark Company.