Cool Hunting Video Presents: Nau: Sponsored Video and Giveaway

by Cool Hunting Video

Nau won us over from the beginning with their impeccably designed, eco-conscious outerwear and business concept. This behind-the-scenes video features insights into their design process, retail store design and their guiding philosophy.

Designers Mark Galbraith and Peter Kallen show us a few items from their latest collection and Ian Yolles, the VP of Brand Communications, walks us through the process of shopping at one of their "Webfront" boutiques.

We've partnered with Nau to give away an item from their collection—any item!—to one CH reader that we'll pick at random. See the last paragraph of the post to get the details.

Here are a few of our favorite pieces from Nau's Fall/Winter 2007 Collection:

The Merchant Coat (above left, $325) updates a classic sailor look with Nau's own unusual blend of recycled polyester and wool. With room for layers underneath, the stand-up collar keeps necks warm, open underarm construction reduces bulk and leather trim adds a contrasting level of detail.

The go-more-pile (above center, $160) is a fleece coat that's closely shorn on the outside but thick on the inside. The result is a thin jacket that provides a surprising amount of warmth on its own but is also comfortable to layer on the coldest days.

The most surprising aspect of the Down Shirt (above right, $175) is how slender they get a 850-fill goose down shirt to look. It could be because they strategically place more thickness where it's needed most. The shirt bunches up into a small ball while the insulating source packs the most amount of heat per ounce on the market.

Like the name implies, the Clean Line rain jacket (above left, $220) keeps fussy details to the barest of minimums making for the ultimate modern wet weather gear. Welded seams, laser cut vents, construction that mimics the body and waterproof zippers are just a few of the features that make this one of our staples.

Made of a Japanese stretch fabric that's eco-friendly and engineered to wick moisture and lined with soft material, the "Shroud of Purrin" series are high-functioning garments for urban wear. The trench (above center, $324) marries the timeworn shape with modern details, like a high collar with an asymmetrical design. Angled cuffs that integrate easily with gloves on the jacket (above right, $258) are another example of Nau's commitment to perfecting what they make down to the smallest features.

Shop now for the holidays and receive free shipping on all orders.

To enter follow the contact link at the bottom of the page, select "Nau Giveaway" from the pull-down menu and make sure you enter your email by Monday, 19 November 2007, 11:59pm EST. Update: You now have until Wednesday, 21 November 2007 at 11:59pm EST! We've chosen a winner! Thanks to everyone who entered. Please note that by entering the giveaway you will be added to Nau's Off The Grid monthly mailing list (see the current issue here).

Daniel Eric Weiss Photography

by Seth Brau

by Andrew Simkiss

There are always a plethora of young photographers in New York City, shooting everything from fashion pages to blog snaps and party photos. You might see them in a studio, lighting up some street corner or at the bar flashing away. Daniel Eric Weiss is none of these. Born and raised on the Upper West Side, Danny is a photographer for photography's sake, snapping portraits and landscapes all around Manhattan with a friendly eye and a hometown sensibility. At only 20 years old, he wanders the streets like a young Andre Kertesz, meeting neighbors, friends and strangers and exposing it all to film as he goes, his Leica always in tow.

His work is beautifully composed street photography, so if a well-dressed young gentleman with a scruffy red beard and a deep voice asks to take your picture, you might consider saying yes. Click images for larger view or visit his site.

Vancouver Eastside Culture Crawl

by Jonah Samson

For three days each fall, hundreds of artists who live or work in Vancouver's artist-dense Eastside open their studios to the public for the Eastside Culture Crawl. The event incorporates artists in almost every field—from weavers, furniture makers and jewelers, to painters, photographers and sculptors—and features emerging artists as well as names that are recognizable on the world stage.

This is a great time to see a lot of work in a short amount of time, as well as to talk to people about their creations and techniques all within the intimate setting of their workspace. Works can be purchased directly from the artists, or if you are interested in having something created that is unique, most artists are willing to discuss having work commissioned.

The Crawl starts on Friday, 16 November 2007 at 5pm and goes until Sunday, 18 November 2007 at 6pm. For more information and a full map of the venues, check out their website.

Ecopod

by Lost At E Minor

With us all increasingly looking for everyday efforts to be more green and care for our planet, why not consider an option for our last day here? Hazel Selina has done just that. The British designer used her background in natural birth to turn her attention to the primal event of death, and its impact on the planet, by creating the Ecopod. Through research she discovered that in London alone, 89% of coffins used every year—some 600,000 in total—are made from chipboard covered with laminate, not a great product to bury in our soil. In contrast, the Ecopod is an environmentally friendly option being made from naturally hardened, 100% recycled paper, which will not pollute the atmosphere or the earth.

The North Face NSE Collection

by Tim Yu

Last night we got our first look at the new North Face NSE Collection, a special limited collaboration with the Japanese sportswear manufacturer Goldwin. Inspired by the white birch forests that thrive on the northern island of Japan, the centerpiece of the collection is a new camo print featuring images of the birch forests. The first of the NSE special collector's edition, which will be announced annually, also includes puffy jackets, reversibles, hoodies, bags and pants.

Engineered by working closely with snowboarders and skiers, all pieces highlight the latest technical innovations in insulation, construction, waterproofing and breathability. The limited U.S. release will hit stores on 8 December 2007 only at the The North Face SoHo store, HUF and Alife. To see more images, continue reading.

The North Face SoHo
139 Wooster STreet
New York, NY 10013 map
tel. +1 212.260.1000

HUF
816 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109 map
tel. +1 415.614.9449

Alife
158 Rivington
New York, NY 10002 map
tel. +1 212.375.8116