ArchiTec Launches NZ Collection
October 11, 2018
New ‘Farm to Wear’ collection inspired by the South Island of New Zealand, Uses Global Merino Textiles.
San Francisco, CA — The highly anticipated second release, The NZ Collection, from the adventure travel focused brand ArchiTec launched officially on October 8th. Every ArchiTec collection is inspired by a place in time, with this one taking its cues from the South Island. This setting provided a unique opportunity to develop a collection focused around the rich tradition of New Zealand Merino Wool production while also field testing each piece across a wide range of environments.
It is essential to the founders of the brand to maintain the highest standards of materials sourcing, production and customer satisfaction. Therefore, ArchiTec designs and produces in the U.S. and offers a lifetime guarantee. Ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing and production is at the core of ArchiTec. With this in mind, co-founders Justin Seale and Suzann Stone traveled to New Zealand this past March to have an immersive experience at Glenbrook Station. Their stay on the Station was steeped in the history, process, and challenges of New Zealand merino wool production as well as meeting the sheep whose wool would become part of this collection and getting to know the people who choose to raise them.
The NZ Collection features ArchiTec’s combination of clean modern design, high-performance fabrics, versatility, and thoughtful accents that can stand up to any adventure – from hiking the Routeburn Track and Mt. Cook, to mountain biking in Queenstown, wine tasting in Nelson, and dining out in Auckland. “We are inspired by Jacques Cousteau’s lifelong credo, ‘We must go and see for ourselves,’” says Justin Seale, Co-founder of ArchiTec. “Our visit to New Zealand and Glenbrook Station in particular, revealed a way of life centered around the outdoors and producing merino wool at the highest levels of sustainability and ethical treatment.”
Three core pieces build the merino story in this collection: the Carson Pullover and Hillary Full Zip Hoodies and the Glenbrook Workshirt . Both the Carson and Hillary are crafted from a mid-weight Global Merino 18.5 micron Ponti wool with Core Rapt™ Nylon Technology. This technologically advanced treatment of merino creates a fabric that’s at once uber-soft, comfortable, durable and naturally antimicrobial. With an athletic cut, double-lined hood, concealed utility pocket and a longer tail to accommodate for high output activities, either hoodie will be an instant wardrobe staple.
The Glenbrook Workshirt is a future heirloom. Designed around Global Merino’s 200gsm Plain Weave woven Merino Chambray, the reimagined two-pocket work shirt provides excellent temperature regulation and is wearable for weeks on end in almost any climate. Its sharp looks are matched by its softness and durability.
ArchiTec’s progressive retailing model and crowdfunding design, allows customers to receive the best pricing on limited edition pieces. All new collections are initially launched in a Workbench for 30 days for customers to review, provide feedback, and order at pre-sale pricing. Collaborating with customers ensures that only the best products are built and nothing goes to waste.
“In 2017, Earth Overshoot day occurred on August 2nd. This means that on that day we had already used more from nature than our planet can renew in the whole year,” says Suzann Stone, Co-founder of ArchiTec. “As a brand, we value quality over quantity allowing us the opportunity to encourage less consumption. We create well-designed, essential apparel that serves multiple purposes and is meant to last for years, rather than creating ‘fast fashion.’
About ArchiTec
Designed and built in California, ArchiTec is technical apparel for the modern adventurer. The inspiration behind the ArchiTec brand came from the Founders’ love of travel, the outdoors and an obsession with packing light. We build everything with quality, sustainable design and premium technical fabrics that are meant to last a lifetime. We deliver products and experience that embrace the spirit of discovery and seeing for oneself. “We Must Go and See For Ourselves” –Jacques Yves Cousteau
About SIMBOL Communications
SIMBOL Communications formed to help brands tell truthful, authentic stories through exposure in a wide variety of media outlets, developing creative in the outdoor, cycling and fitness industries — as both industry professionals and competitive enthusiasts — the founders of SIMBOL have the all the tools to get powerful stories to the right audience.