Michael Esser, Senior Designer for snow Outerwear at O'Neill told us what they're going to be kitting the guys out in next winter.
So Michael, please describe the overall idea / general inspiration behind your 2012/13 outerwear line.
Fall Winter 2012/2013 continues the celebration of the 60-year anniversary of O’Neill.
We are celebrating 60 years of innovating and progressing the surf industry since the day back in 1952 when Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit because he “just wanted to surf longer.”
This simple invention has paved the way for O’Neill’s progression – the aim of which to simply enhance your experience in nature.This winter, with every product embracing the innovation of O’Neill, the products on offer mean that you will enjoy your winter not only in style, but also in warmth and comfort.
The three themes that serve for the inspiration behind this collection are:
60 years of shaping
Influenced by 60 years of O’Neill history in shaping the classic design of the wetsuit, as well as incorporating ergonomic lines, mean the inspiration is all about producing the perfect form.
Mid-century Americana
This design influence harps back to the time of the inception of O’Neill back in 1952, but has translated the classic look into a modern on-trend looking using the likes of classic materials including wool, boucle and tweed.
Eclectic diversity
Eclectic Diversity theme brings a modern fresh and vibrant feel – whilst playing with the established roots of O’Neill. The idea is that through innovation and original thinking – anything is possible. The look and feel incorporates colour blocking and a mix of different styles.
What is the key piece (jacket, pant or otherwise) in the 12/13 collection about which you are most excited? Why?
250020 SEB TOOTS PREMIUM JACKET because Seb who has been involved with producing the jacket from beginning to end has been so unbelievably stoked on this jacket it has got us even more excited about it than we could have imagined.
A herringbone and slub yarn combination bring this 15k/10k jacket with waterproof block zips, a subtle but rich textured look. With simple colour blocking, Seb plays on the latest trend. He also brings in trends first hand from the mountains with his custom long bomber jacket shape to the jacket. With removable sleeves and ergonomically shaped collar, this jacket hides plenty of tricks allowing it to transform into a vest, perfect for riding park.
What fits / silhouettes will you be showing, in pants & jackets? How does it differ from last season?
Jackets: We will be showing longer fits next to our regular fits as we see a big trend in longer parka style jackets.
PANTS: There are still two trends running simultaneously within pants. The first is a relaxed pant fit and the second is a slimmer fit pant.
What's new in colours / prints?
With our inspiration in the time of the start of O’Neill – mid century America – we have a more muted colour palette linking to a more classic look and feel.
In the theme of Eclectic diversity it’s about new colour combinations with some brighter twists throughout.
Describe the fabrics, features and technical innovations your outerwear will be running? Please highlight *NEW* technical stories that retailers will be seeing for the first time from your brand.
1. WOOL. Working with the inspiration of our 60 year history, the idea of using wool came up. Back in the 1950’s before Jack O’Neill invented the wetsuit to enable him to surf the cold waters of Northern California without the pain of the freezing sea on his skin, surfers were going to all drastic measures to stay warm.
“Some guys wore wool sweaters, “said Jack O’Neill. “There are stories about guys putting oil on their wool sweaters to repel water, but that doesn’t make sense. If you did that, it’d get all over your surfboard.”
This is the reason we have introduced technical wool into the outerwear collection. It’s a polyester material with the outlook of a wool material with a high water column and breathability.
2. FIREWALL The O’Neill Firewall system has developed throughout the O’Neill Fall Winter 2012/2013 collection.
Ergonomic research on body mapping has shown designers where the body looses most heat, where we transpire the quickest, and where the body needs the most ventilation.
Through this research a combination of linings and insulations including primaloft, down and hyperfill, are used in every product to provide the perfect balance in warmth and breathability.
Do your jackets attach to your pants for 12/13? How?
The O’Neill Connector System is featured on every single pant and jacket in the collection. The system works with 3 buttons with loops on the snowgator of the jacket that connect to loops on the pants – perfect for powder days.
In addition, on a style level, we have a connection here as well. The Line Up Jacket and Pants are not only simple but dynamic colour blocking at its best, but in an added twist the colour blocking from the Line Up Jacket runs straight into the Line Up pants.
Will there be a one-piece in your 12/13 line?
Not this season for men as we have seen a trend move away from this for men.
Will your 2012/13 outerwear feature any eco-friendly pieces? Please describe what you're doing here. Do you think it really matters to the consumer whether their purchase is eco or not?
The Jeremy Jones collection as always works in harmony with the nature around him. The fabric is all produced by a Japanese manufacturer with 100% recycled polyester, but retains the highest technical standards such as in the 20k/15k Jones 3 Layer Shell.
For the consumer who spends their time in nature, a brand that values this and is taking active steps to limit the impact on the environment is an exceptionally valuable consideration for the consumer.
Which of your riders are you particularly proud to have riding your outerwear? What aspects of their personalities or riding styles gel well with your brand?
JEREMY JONES
Jeremy Jones represents the very heart of innovation and exploration that O’Neill stands for. The top Big Mountain Rider in the world, Jeremy is always looking for a new challenge and progression in his riding: “I just look forward to where I can progress,” he said.
His attitude as well as his riding as earned him respect from all spectrums of the snowboarding world and has been awarded 8 times Big Mountain Rider of the Year.
His clothing works aims to work in harmony with the mountain and nature around him. It is not only all 100% recycled, but also works keeping in mind the extremes of the environment he finds himself in.
In his own line he has the250000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL
253000 JONES 3-LAYER SHELL PANT
250002 JONES 2-LAYER JACKET
253002 JONES 2-LAYER PANT
250015 JONES PACKABLE DOWN
SEB TOOTS
When it comes to performance, it doesn’t get more progressive right now than Seb Toots.
The young Canadian was doing Cab 10’s at the age of 14, double corks at the age of 16 and triple corks when he hit 18. With his unwavering dedication to pushing the sport to the next level, the future for the kid is almost unimaginable. And his innovation and determination match perfectly the ethos of O’Neill in the world of boardsports.
FREDRIK EVENSEN
Norwegian trendsetter Freddie is equally at home throwing down in the backcountry and on rails as he is threading technical lines down pristine mountain faces. He uses his board as a vehicle for self-expression and having fun. And his clothes serve to do the same.
What trends will be HOT for 2012/13?
The trends for loose and longer fits will be hot in 2012/2013 as freeski makes a name for itself.
A richer depth to fabrics will also be seen with muted colours and classic looks.
What is your pet hate in outerwear trends that you're hoping will disappear for 12/13?
Garmasche.
Thanks Michael!
