Three Picks From Nau’s F/W 2015 Collection
From a classic trench to ultra-lightweight jackets, all the layers you’ll need this season
Winter is coming—at least, for those in the Northern Hemisphere. But there’s no need to spiral into panic if your closet is prepped with technical-forward pieces that can challenge the cold without sacrificing style. And Portland-based Nau‘s latest collection offers, per usual, functional, durable, modern, high-quality gear, without sacrificing aesthetics—and with one important bonus. Ever since its beginnings, in 2005, Nau has also strived to be sustainable and altruistic—they continue to donate 2% of every sale to one of their Partners for Change and use recycled down, or new down that adheres to and is certified by the Responsible Down Standard.
This F/W 2015 collection is no different: from tights to shirts and outerwear, each piece has been designed with warmth, functionality and sustainability in mind. We spoke with Mark Galbraith (Nau’s General Manager) and Mary Jane Murphy (Manager of Fabric Development) about three of our favorite products from the new collection.
Intersect Utility Down Sweater
Using organic cotton/recycled poly shell fabric and down which adheres to and is certified by the Responsible Down Standard, the Intersect Utility Down Sweater offers all the insulation as a puffy jacket—without the puffiness. The down for the Intersect can be traced to the ranch and takes into account animal treatment, including areas like live-plucking and force-feeding. A DWR finish on the shell repels water, while a high-density poly/cotton fabric is super-durable. This ultra-light jacket is perfect for layering, or can be worn as a top coat on those in-between days.
Felt Up Jacket
Designed with intention to layer in the cold months, the Felt Up Jacket is made from luxurious New Zealand merino wool, but boasts raw edges—creating a contemporary look. Galbraith tells us, “We were looking for a non-traditional silhouette that could replace a sweater, blazer or light jacket for cold weather urbane use. We also wanted a fabrication and design that would create a warm functional jacket without looking too technical.”
Providing wind-resistance, warmth and structure, the cropped, tailored jacket balances between casual and thoughtful. It’s a refreshing alternative to a wool sweater—and much easier to slip off when indoor temps get to be too much.
Copenhagen Recycled Down Trench
Nau’s Copenhagen Recycled Down Trench (for men and women) blends the natural warmth and breathability of down with WPB—which is a waterproof, but still breathable fabric—meaning it will keep you warm, but won’t have you sweating in the subway. Galbraith says, “When we design the ‘same’ coat concept for men and women, we consider a full range of each gender’s needs and include them in the final design… The garments meet the same overall need, but are approached and designed with each gender’s needs in mind.” For the Copenhagen Trench, an important detail considered was the level of warmth—the women’s coat has a longer silhouette in order to proved more shelter, while featuring a snap-button vent for movement. The men’s Copenhagen Trench has exposed molded tooth zips for “a more industrial look and feel,” he says.
Murphy tells us, “In 2015, all of our 650-fill power down is recycled and all of our 800-fill power down is responsible down standard certified new down.” With a shell made from 60% organic cotton and 40% recycled poly slub knit ripstop, the two-layer coat—with all the snuggly down inside—is sure to keep the elements out this season.
Browse Nau‘s Fall/Winter 2015 collection online now. Get the full story about the brand’s recycled down on their website.
Images courtesy of Nau
