Allied Feather + Down (AF+D), based in Montebello, California, is launching its first ever down jacket capsule collection in collaboration with apparel and textile leaders Mitsui and Pertex.

Originally released exclusively to the Japanese market, the jackets blur the line between outdoor performance and fashion-forward aesthetics, bringing together ethically-sourced down from Allied, industry-leading down garment manufacturing from Mitsui, and the finest downproof textiles from Pertex. 

“We often thought it would be interesting to see what we could accomplish from a product perspective with our knowledge of materials, incredible partner relationships and intimate awareness of the trends of both the new outdoor and fashion industries,” said Matthew Betcher, creative and marketing director for AF+D. “Coming together with Mitsui and Pertex was, in our eyes, a potential dream team that could produce a no holds barred capsule collection of products unparalleled for performance, fashion and sustainability.”

The collection of four jackets will be available online in the US at alliedfeatherdown-product.com, with a very limited number of pieces available through  Zero Degrees North, a design and creative inspiration lab (zeronrth.com).

Mitsui of Japan produces some of the highest quality and most innovative down garments for large fashion houses, independent avant garde designers and global outdoor brands. Building a design team and utilising its impeccable manufacturing lends the collection a level of design and innovation that marries nicely with innovative fabrics and the best down insulation in the world.

Pertex has long been a leader in downproof textiles and the collection performs as well as any down outerwear with a look, drape, and feel that is akin to high fashion.

“Mitsui is an incredible manufacturer of some of the most inventive and luxury technical outerwear available and Pertex is one of the most innovative textile companies we have worked with,” said Daniel Uretsky, president of Allied Feather + Down. “Coming together with these amazing companies provides a synergy unique to the apparel industry and we’re proud to see the product reflect that. We’re looking forward to continuing to push the boundaries in this small collection and offering regular drops in not only Japan, but North America and Europe as well.”

Japanese culture has long embraced the collision of urban and outdoor style and these four jackets are inspired by this sensibility and aesthetic, making Japan the perfect home for the collection. Mitsui helped to bring in a young creative Japanese design team who all have history working with some of the most creative fashion, streetwear and technical collections.

“We have not only been looking to Japan as an important market for us, but also for a tremendous amount of inspiration,” said Bletcher. “Building a design team with the avant garde aesthetic Japanese high fashion has become known for was the perfect fit to bring all partners together and create something that will resonate beyond the Japanese domestic market, and hopefully act as a beacon for what technical apparel can become in the North American and European markets.”

www.alliedfeather.com