Hologenix, Manufacturer Of Celliant® Technology, Appoints Jim Calhoun CEO

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — December 5, 2017 — Hologenix LLC today announced the appointment of Jim Calhoun as CEO. He replaces co-founder, Seth Casden in the CEO position, enabling Casden to focus on sales, science and innovation. Calhoun remains an officer on the Hologenix board of directors and was most recently president and CEO of Converse, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nike Inc.

Celliant is a patented responsive textile technology that harnesses and recycles the body’s natural energy through the use of fiber. In July, Celliant received a much-coveted classification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device and general wellness product. Celliant is used in more than 60 countries and across a variety of industries, including bedding, apparel, furniture and pet products.

“Jim has spent 25 years working at some of the most successful and iconic global brands in the consumer products industry,” said Bill Werlin, chairman of the board. “I speak for the entire board when I say we are thrilled to have him as CEO.”

Calhoun led the resurgence of the Converse brand and business worldwide. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Hurley International LLC, an affiliate of Nike, president of the Dockers Brand and executive vice president at Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco.

“After working in footwear, apparel and retail for 25+ years, I recognize this rare opportunity to be groundbreaking and disruptive in this space. I’m looking forward to introducing Celliant to the massive opportunities in wellness, self-care and performance apparel. We are changing the way that people think about textiles,” said Calhoun.

Posted December 6, 2017

Source: Hologenix

Cotton Research And Promotion Program Hall Of Fame 2017 Inductees Honored

NEW YORK CITY — December 6, 2017 — Last evening, Cotton Incorporated inducted the 2017 class of the Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame. The event took place in St. Petersburg, Fla., as part of the joint Cotton Board/Cotton Incorporated Board of Directors Meeting. The program, now in its fourth year, recognizes U.S. cotton industry leaders that have made significant contributions to the Program or to the cotton industry in general.

The three honorees for the 2017 Cotton Research and Promotion Hall of Fame include: the late Dr. Harold L. “Hal” Lewis (Arkansas); the late Lawson “Sykes” Martin (Alabama); and Dr. William M. “Bill” Lyle (Texas).

The Cotton Research and Promotion Program was established in 1966 to expand the demand for upland cotton and to increase profitability for both cotton growers and importers of cotton products.

“Over the past few decades, the cotton industry has continued to evolve and advance in many ways,” says Berrye Worsham, President and CEO of Cotton Incorporated. “The tireless dedication and many contributions of the 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees have shaped the industry as we know it today and will further impact future growth and advancement.”

The 2017 honorees of the Cotton Research and Promotion Program Hall of Fame were chosen from nominations made by Certified Producer and Importer Organizations and voted upon by the Chairman’s Committee of the Cotton Incorporated Board of Directors.

  • Harold L. “Hal” Lewis (deceased) had a lifelong dedication to agriculture and research, notably in the cotton industry. As Director of Research for Cotton Incorporated (1970-1973), Dr. Lewis was instrumental in the development of the module builder and played a key role in the research program for boll weevil eradication. His experience and knowledge as a plant breeder led him to develop three commercial cotton varieties. Dr. Lewis served as a board member for both the National Cotton Council and the Cotton Board, and was inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2006. Before his death, he also served as president and general manager of his own business, Scientific Seed Co. and H.L. Lewis Farm and Enterprises.
  • Lawson “Sykes” Martin (deceased) is recognized for his strong leadership in the cotton industry, having served in organizations on both local and national levels. Mr. Martin had a long career at the National Cotton Council, beginning as a delegate in 1977 and finishing as an Advisor to the Council in 1993. He also held board positions at Cotton Incorporated, Southern Cotton Growers, the American Cottonseed Association, and The Cotton Foundation. In 1987, he was named the National Cotton Farmer of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine, and was also the recipient of the Alabama Farm of Distinction Award in 1993.
  • Dr. William M. “Bill” Lyle has had a revolutionary impact on the cotton industry with the research and development of the Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) system in the 1980s. His contributions as a cotton farmer, agricultural engineer, and scientist are recognized both nationally and internationally. Dr. Lyle has served as a consultant to the United States Congress, John Deere and Company, and the American Society of Agricultural Engineers Water Supply and Conveyance Committee. He has also been the recipient of the John Deere Gold Medal Award (1998), the High Plains Research Foundation’s Agricultural Research Scientist of the Year Award (1981), the Texas Association of Agricultural Consultant Public Servant of the Year Award (1992), and the Secretary of Agriculture Group Research and Extension Award (1994), among others.

Posted December 6, 2017

Source: Cotton Incorporated

Evolution Of Fashion Professions At Heart Of Lectra’s 8th Education Congress

PARIS — December 5, 2017 — Lectra recently welcomed partners from the world of education to the company’s Bordeaux-Cestas campus for its eighth education congress. The event was dedicated to the mega trends shaping the fashion industry and impacting professions from design to production.

Over fifty representatives from among the most
important fashion schools in Germany, Canada, China, United States, France, Hong Kong, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Sweden, participated in this biannual meeting between industry experts and teaching professionals.

Fashion professions are evolving as companies make their first steps towards Industry 4.0, adopting 3-D and rationalizing the lifecycle management for their collections thanks to PLM. Lectra’s congress enabled schools to discuss the developing role of designers and patternmakers, and the new elements to be integrated into training programs.

Lectra illustrated future changes through presentations on design, patternmaking, 3-D prototyping, and PLM.

“It is fundamental to bring innovation experts in the industry together with fashion schools, because students will drive the evolution of this industry,” stated Pascal Denizart, Managing Director of the Centre européen des textiles innovants (CETI).

Working with schools to design courses which meet the needs of fashion companies has always been at the heart of Lectra’s education program. During the event, the company presented collaborative experiences between partner schools and fashion brands, such as the competitions organised by Lectra with Missoni, Balenciaga, and Armani in Italy, as well as Peacebird in China and JC Penney in the United States.

In the United Kingdom, Lectra collaborated with COS (H&M group) and the Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) for a competition centred on the design of a collection with zero waste.

“The process was totally digital, from design to the creation of a virtual prototype in 3-D. Our students learnt to optimize each stage of the process. By leveraging the use of Kaledo®, Modaris® and Diamino®, the collaborative work between AUB, COS and Lectra is exactly the type of project that enormously motivates our students. Live briefs developed with leading fashion brands and Lectra offer excellent opportunities which directly inform industry currency and student employability,” explained Penny Norman, a lecturer at AUB.

The event also shone the spotlight on China and its major role in the evolution of the fashion industry. Li Min, vice-dean of the fashion and design faculty at Donghua university in Shanghai spoke of the event, organized by Lectra, which brought together major Chinese companies, experts, and representatives from the biggest schools in China.

“Exchanges on the impact of the Made in China 2025 plan on the fashion industry can better prepare students for tomorrow’s professions, where digital and automation will occupy a far more central position than today,” testified Li Min.

“The fashion industry is evolving so fast that sharing insights and best practices with experts and other fashion schools has become vital to ensure we offer the best learning experience and technology tools to our students,” said Dr. Trevor J. Little, professor of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management in the College of Textiles at NC State University.

“Lectra’s eighth education congress confirms the company’s commitment to our partner schools. We shared our analysis of the market, the digitalization of the eco-system, and how Industry 4.0 principles can be applied to the fashion industry. We also discussed mass customization and the role of PLM. While these are key subjects for our customers, many schools are only now approaching them. We are preparing tomorrow, today: Lectra is supporting our customers, and schools to play an essential role,” concluded Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra.

December 5, 2017

Source: Lectra

The Faction Collective Releases New Prime Series Ski Collection Reinforced By TeXtreme®

BORAS, Sweden — December 5, 2017 — Swiss-based Faction Skis has teamed with world-renowned freeride skier and mountaineer Sam Anthamatten to create a new Prime Series ski collection reinforced with TeXtreme® technology. The Prime Series is the result of decades of material testing and innovations to create a true high performance, lightweight, big mountain ski.

Faction and Anthamatten set out to create a ski without compromise and the Prime 4.0 was born. Weighing only 1740 grams each, the use of a hybrid balsa/flax core and three layers of TeXtreme allow the Prime Series to conquer technical ascents and descents without concession. The Prime 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 models round out the new all-mountain touring series.

“We’re so proud of these skis, where you can feel that we didn’t make any compromises. The Prime Series skis are light, stable, nimble and yet powerful.  It’s a ski that can perform in all conditions. We teamed up with TeXtreme to optimize our skis so that they would be exactly as we wanted them to be — a high-tech, almost impossibly perfect, balanced ski.” says Patrik Sannes, Product Engineer at Faction Collective.

TeXtreme Technology is based on spreading tows (yarns) into very thin tapes and then weaving these tapes together to create ultralight and ultrathin woven fabrics which take advantage of proven thin ply theory to improve impact performance while reducing weight when compared to conventional woven carbon fiber fabrics.

Sannes continues, “We use TeXtreme®in a bias orientation to achieve extreme torsional stiffness. By using TeXtreme as layers within our ski’s laminate, we place TeXtreme® at varying angles and axes, thereby spreading stability and stiffness across the whole width and length of the ski.”

Alongside the use of TeXtreme in skis, TeXtreme can be found in Formula 1, America’s Cup, NASCAR, Le Mans, Indy Car, ice hockey, golf, bicycles, tennis, surf boards, table tennis, rowing shells, canoes, skis, snowboards, and various industrial and advanced aerospace applications.

Posted December 5, 2017

Source: TeXtreme®

Announcing Several Promotions, Meridian Specialty Yarn Group Sets Foundation To Support Expansion

VALDESE, N.C. — December 5, 2017 — In step with major expansions to its U.S. manufacturing operations and rapid expansion into new and current markets, Meridian Specialty Yarn Group Inc. (MSYG), has promoted several employees at the company’s plants in Valdese and Ranlo, N.C. MSYG is the leading manufacturer of specialty yarn in the United States and the promotions reflect development of expanded management, sales and customer service teams.

The promotions and anticipated future hires are in response to growing market demand for existing products, brisk demand for new products the company has begun bringing to market, anticipated demand for additional new products that will be introduced in 2018 and to support new operations and expanded manufacturing facilities at MSYG’s new plant in Valdese and recently renovated Ranlo plant.

Currently, MSYG is nearing completion of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and dye house in Valdese, which will open in 2018. In 2016 MSYG completed the expansion of its Ranlo plant. The new Valdese plant will provide additional manufacturing capacity for both current and new markets, and with the Ranlo plant expansion, MSYG has launched the manufacture of wool carpet yarn.

Below is a list of the new promotions.

  • Stephen Hudson, who was formerly vice president of Manufacturing, is moving into the sales arena as senior vice president – Specialty Markets. He will initially handle all aspects of the carpet yarn and craft yarn product lines as these markets continue to grow in significance to the company. Other market responsibilities will be added as opportunities arise.
  • Amy Isenhour, who was hired in November of 2016 as sales and marketing manager for MSYG, has been promoted to vice president of Sales and Marketing. All sales representatives and agents will report to Isenhour. She is now responsible for all marketing functions for the company as well as overseeing and managing sales growth in traditional and new markets.
  • John Marlowe has been named vice president of Manufacturing at MSYG’s Valdese plant and will oversee all aspects of the Valdese operation, including the transition into the new manufacturing plant’s state-of-the-art dye house. Marlowe was formerly plant manager at Valdese.
  • Rob Bratcher is moving from his position at MSYG as director of Customer Service and Logistics to a new position as director of Operations at Ranlo. He will assume responsibilities for all production processes and staff at that facility.
  • Doug Mosk, who handled general operations at the Valdese plant, has been named director of Production Engineering at the Ranlo Plant.
  • Danny Whisnant has been promoted from process engineer at Valdese to director – Process Improvement Engineering. Whisnant is now responsible for several projects involving machine design and development, and will be involved in the start-up of the new dye house.
  • Hillary Barlow will be moving from the Valdese Lab where she has been a lab clerk to a new role as sales representative.  She will be responsible for handling several existing house accounts and developing new customers as well.
  • Lucy Reynolds, who was a logistics analyst for MSYG, is being promoted to Planning manager at the Valdese plant.
  • Connie Hardin has been promoted from scheduler to Customer Service and Procurement manager at the Valdese plant.
  • Janet Barrier is being named Lab manager at the Valdese Plant. She is a former Project Specialist at the plant.
  • Sarah Buchanan is being promoted from employee relations specialist to recruitment manager for both plants.
  • Jenny Renner is being promoted from Sample Department assistant to Lab manager at the Ranlo Plant. She will oversee sample line flow as well as facilitate yarn and color development for all markets served by MSYG’s Ranlo facility.

“These promotions reflect the beginning of an exciting new era here and it’s with great pride that we make this announcement,” said Tim Manson, president, MSYG. “We anticipate major growth and expansion as we finish construction of our new manufacturing operations in Valdese and expand into several new markets. It’s an exciting time and I’m proud of our staff for the hard work that has brought us to this point.”

Posted December 5, 2017

Source: Meridian Specialty Yarn Group

Leigh Fibers Announces Plans to Acquire J.E. Herndon

Spartanburg, S.C. — December 5, 2017 — Leigh Delaware Holdings — a global company focused on sustainable product engineering through manufactured, traded, and reprocessed fibers and polymers — announced today that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire J.E. Herndon Co., a privately held company based in Kings Mountain, N.C. J.E. Herndon reprocesses textile fibers and by-products primarily connected to the cotton industry. The acquisition of J.E. Herndon is expected to close in January 2018.

“We are excited to take this next strategic step in our growth journey through the acquisition of J.E. Herndon Company,” said Don Bockoven, president and CEO, Leigh Fibers and ICE Recycling. “This acquisition complements our overall service and product offerings while adding to our capacity and geographic presence.”

The expertise and capability that J.E. Herndon has built over the past 90 years in the cotton area aligns with Leigh’s overarching vision of becoming the global preferred provider of sustainable recycled solutions across diverse markets, materials and product lines.

“Consumers, industry, and governments worldwide are clear in their demand for sustainable solutions for all of their fiber based products,” said Patrick Mullen, president and owner of J.E. Herndon Co. “Leigh’s commitment to be the leader in this space provides the ideal environment through which J.E. Herndon Company can best leverage its dedicated workforce and recycling capabilities in the sourcing, conversion, and marketing of cotton and other sustainable fibers.”

The acquisition of J.E. Herndon follows the 2014 acquisition of ICE Recycling based in Lake City, S.C. ICE Recycling specializes in zero-to-landfill, turn-key recycling programs, and waste consulting. ICE Recycling has been successful with implementing solutions for waste in industries ranging from food and beverage to industrial manufacturing.

Leigh Fibers is headquartered in Wellford, S.S., between Greenville and Spartanburg. For nearly 100 years, Leigh has manufactured, traded and reprocessed fibers and polymers worldwide. Through sustainable product engineering, its branded products, and specialty fibers they have provided many industries with unique solutions to their specific problems.

Founded in 2008, ICE Recycling, based in Lake City, reprocesses postindustrial polymers, cardboard, paper and metals for companies throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The company provides on-site waste stream management as well as off-site reprocessing services. ICE is affiliated with Leigh Fibers Inc.

Posted December 5, 2018

Source: Leigh Fibers

Columbia Sportswear Company Announces New Management Appointments Within Finance, Legal And Manufacturing

PORTLAND, Ore. — December 4, 2017 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced the following management appointments.

Melissa Dugan, an industry veteran with 27 years of experience, has been appointed vice president, chief accounting officer, reporting to Jim Swanson, senior vice president, CFO.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of a proven industry leader with Melissa assuming the role as our Chief Accounting Officer,” Swanson said. “Melissa joins our worldwide finance team bringing tremendous experience, including several years in senior level accounting leadership positions at Nike Inc., as well as prior experience working overseas as an accountant for Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP.”

Additionally, Jennifer Warner has joined Columbia Sportswear Co. as vice president of Legal, reporting to Peter Bragdon, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel.

“We are excited to have Jennifer join Columbia as a leader in our Legal Department,” Bragdon said. “Jennifer brings a wealth of public company and legal operations experience, including work as Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel for the Americas at XPO Logistics Inc., a Fortune 200 supply chain and logistics company.” Warner previously worked as Associate Counsel for Northwest Natural Gas Company and as an attorney for Stoel Rives LLP. Most recently, she was vice president of Compliance and chief development officer for the Ashe Legal Group and AsheWorks Inc.

As an internal appointment, David Soriano, who has served as the company’s general manager of Asia Footwear in Zhuhai, China since early 2016, has assumed the role of vice president of Footwear Manufacturing, reporting to Tom Cusick, executive vice president and COO.

“As a 21-year veteran of the footwear industry, David brings a significant amount of leadership experience in footwear manufacturing operations,” Cusick said. “To assume his new role, David has relocated to our Portland, Oregon, headquarters to lead our Global Footwear Manufacturing team and maintain strong partnerships with both the Columbia and SOREL brand functional teams.” Prior to joining Columbia Sportswear Company, David held management roles overseeing footwear manufacturing operations in Asia for Puma, LaCrosse Footwear Inc. and Nike.

Posted December 4, 2017

Source: Columbia Sportswear

Brooks Running Brings Innovation To Runners By Unveiling The Most Personalized Running Footwear

SEATTLE — November 29, 2017 — Brooks Running Co. announced it is partnering with HP Inc. and Superfeet to deliver the most personalized running footwear. Leveraging FitStation powered by HP and Brooks Run Signature, Brooks will introduce the first performance running shoe created based on an individual’s unique biomechanics which will be available via special order through select retail partners beginning June 2018.

With a singular focus on running, Brooks has a deep understanding of runners’ unique biomechanics and is committed to providing personalized experiences that enhance the run for every individual. Based on years of research, the company developed its Run Signature philosophy rooted in the belief that the best way to enhance comfort and improve performance is not to fix a runner’s “flaws” but to instead create running footwear that works with the runner’s natural motion path of his or her body. Through its partnership with HP and Superfeet, Brooks takes Run Signature to the next level and delivers the most personalized running footwear.

“Brooks is committed to providing the fit, feel and ride each runner wants,” said Brooks CEO Jim Weber. “The ability to give an individual a personalized shoe based on his or her unique biomechanics is a game changer. It is a compelling offering for the runner who is interested in tip-of-the-spear technology and a totally tuned experience. As part of our focus on reinventing performance running, we will continue to push the envelope to bring runners innovations that help them uniquely tailor their run.”

FitStation powered by HP is pioneering hardware and software that combines 3-D foot scanning with dynamic gait analysis and foot pressure measurements. Fully aligned with principles from Brooks Run Signature, FitStation offers customers in-depth analysis including key motion zones to identify the unique motion path of the runner’s body and information about the desired running experience. FitStation creates a one-of-a-kind holistic digital profile of an individual that combines personalized fit, biomechanics and experience.

“FitStation by HP is changing what personalization means — from the in-store experience to the final product. In collaboration with Brooks and Superfeet, we are delivering truly made-to-measure footwear with a lot size of one,” said Ed Ponomarev, general manager of FitStation and business development HP Inc. “Digitalization of biometric data opens an opportunity to ultimate individualization with the speed and cost efficiency of mass production. HP brings deep experience in computing, scanning and technology integration at scale to deliver a revolutionary digital manufacturing platform, creating individualized products that are available to anyone — from casual runners to elite athletes.”

The FitStation analysis translates into specific requirements for each shoe, and is then produced by Superfeet on a state-of-the-art DESMA polyurethane injection-molding machine. The system uses the 3-D foot scans to determine the proper lasts which the shoes are built around, ensuring each shoe is tailored to the specific shape of the runner’s foot. Then, using a combination of variable PU injection with direct attach capabilities, the foot pressure measurements, movement analysis of the runner’s joints, and their personal experience preferences are combined to create personalized midsole requirements with multiple tuned zones — all ensuring the runner stays in their preferred motion path and receives the running experience they desire. All personalized footwear will be manufactured in the U.S. at Superfeet’s world headquarters in Ferndale, Wash.

“Having the leader in running footwear leverage FitStation and our U.S. manufacturing facilities to create the most individualized running shoe on the market is momentous,” said John Rauvola, president and CEO, Superfeet. “Not only will it change what people expect from their running experience, it is also an important step in making a positive difference in people’s lives by delivering the best underfoot support possible. This is the beginning of the individualized fit revolution.”

Brooks will demonstrate the industry-leading personalization experience Nov. 28-30 at The Running Event in Austin, Texas, where the company will create personalized Brooks Levitate RS shoes for select attendees. The new footwear will roll out to runners in June 2018 via special order through select retail partners. A list of participating retailers can be found at www.superfeet.com/fitstation.

Posted December 4, 2017

Source: Brooks Running Co.

Wilsonart To Acquire Mermaid Panels & Shore Laminates

AUSTIN, Texas — December 1, 2017 — Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces, the global manufacturer and distributor of engineered surfaces, today announced an agreement to acquire Mermaid Panels Ltd & Shore Laminates Ltd., the England-based manufacturer of shower walls and wall panel systems.

“Shore & Mermaid bring exciting design and innovative products to the market,” said Tim Pearson, president, Wilsonart Western Europe. “The addition of these two companies to the Wilsonart portfolio reinforces our commitment to providing surfacing solutions for a wide range of interior demands.”

“Shore & Mermaid are good complements to Wilsonart’s other European businesses, including brand leaders Polyrey and Resopal,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO, Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces. “Wilsonart acquired Bushboard, the leading producer of wet wall systems and worktops, in 2016. Shore & Mermaid provide additional depth and new technologies to broaden Wilsonart’s engineered surfaces story. As part of the Wilsonart portfolio, both brands have significant opportunity to expand into new geographies across Europe.”

The transition will take place beginning Dec 1. There will be no changes to the way that current customers access Shore & Mermaid products.

Posted December 4, 2017

Source: Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces

Columbia Sportswear Launches Collection Inspired by Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back — Limited Edition Jackets Celebrating Classic Film For Sale December 8

PORTLAND, Ore. — December 4, 2017 — Columbia Sportswear today unveiled three limited-edition jackets inspired by iconic characters in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The officially licensed collection will be available in limited quantities on www.columbia.com/starwars and at Columbia’s brand retail locations in the United States and select countries beginning Friday, December 8.

Inspired by the costumes worn by Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, the collection is named after the Rebel’s secret base on ice planet Hoth. In developing the Echo Base Collection, Columbia’s designers worked closely with Lucasfilm and the archives team to capture and incorporate the smallest of details of the original jackets worn in the classic film. The collection is constructed with Columbia’s “Tested Tough” promise, and delivers the brand’s industry-leading technologies to ensure that they stand up to the freezing conditions on planet Hoth, or other galaxies closer to home. Details on each jacket follow:

Leia Organa™ Echo Base Jacket: Stand fearless against both the Empire and the ice planet Hoth with the limited-edition Leia Organa™ Echo Base jacket. Inspired by Leia’s original costume featured in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, this versatile jacket and vest combination is crafted of a durable, water-resistant, cotton-blend fabric and insulated with Omni-Heat™ Reflective lining. With a vintage look, flattering feminine fit, and eye-catching details—including stowable hood, princess seam piping, and gusset sleeves—you’ll stay comfortable and confident whether you’re taking on the elements or staring down a Star Destroyer in a galaxy far, far away…. (MSRP: $400)

Luke Skywalker™ Echo Base Jacket: The limited-edition Luke Skywalker™ Echo Base jacket will keep you warmer than a tauntaun while you take on the Empire. This durable cotton-blend, water-resistant jacket and vest combination with a stowable hood is inspired by Luke’s original Hoth costume in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and features Omni-Heat™ Reflective insulation to conserve body heat. You’ll stay warm and dry whether you’re patrolling an ice planet or getting ready for a duel with your father. (MSRP: $400)

Han Solo™ Echo Base Parka: When cold weather hits, the limited-edition Han Solo™ Echo Base parka will keep you warmer than a hug from your favorite Wookiee. Crafted of durable water-resistant, cotton-blend fabric and insulated with Omni-Heat™ Reflective lining, it’s a lot like Han—rugged and durable on the outside, warm and full of surprises on the inside. Inspired by Han’s original Hoth jacket in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the jacket features multiple closures, a leather Rebel patch, and quilted faux-fur trimmed hood to allow you to slip past bounty hunters incognito whether you’re on ice planet Hoth or closer to home. (MSRP: $400)

After consulting the Star Wars archives, Columbia drew inspiration from the original on set Han Solo dark brown jacket worn on planet Hoth. In honor of this epic film, Columbia produced an extremely limited run of the dark brown Han Solo Archive Edition parkas (MSRP: $1980). Further, Columbia has collaborated with Harrison Ford in this endeavor to raise funds for Conservation International, a global organization dedicated to the protection of nature. Harrison hand-signed each of these brown Han Solo Archive Edition parkas, and Columbia will donate 100% of the proceeds from their sale to Conservation International. For more information on how to purchase or to enter to win one of these iconic jackets, go to select Columbia Brand Retail Stores to sign up. Additional details at www.columbia.com/starwars.

To commemorate the 1980 release of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, only 1,980 jackets of each style in the broad Echo Base Collection were produced. These premium jackets are individually numbered and contain several references to Star Wars and the characters who wore them. The collection was inspired by the original costumes that are currently maintained at the Skywalker Ranch archives.

The jackets will be available in limited quantities on www.columbia.com/starwars at 12:01am EST and at store opening in Columbia branded retail locations in the US, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.

Posted December 4, 2017

Source: Columbia Sportswear Co.

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