Hasta La Ideas

Utah natives’ debut collection introduces their own twist to classic outerwear

If you’ve ever wondered what fashion critics mean exactly when they say clothes have “energy,” the new menswear label Highland from a trio of Utah-raised family friends might give you some idea. Drawing on their shared outdoorsy past, designer Lizzie Owens explains they not only turned to Arcteryx, seventies Patagonia and their dads’ closets but that “it involved ransacking my garage. I looked at a lot of backpacks and sleeping bags and tents—actual equipment.”

The resulting debut collection (just hitting stores like Assembly, Steven Alan and No. 44) shows hints of such a resourceful process—climbing rope will be a trademark stand-in for pull-cords and emergency blankets feature prominently—without getting too weighed down by all the clever details. (See detail shots here.) While the light touch may seem unexpected from a designer best known for her work in costumes (she’s known for outfitting MGMT, The Killers, Chairlift and others), her skillful blending of influences suggests Owens intimately knows both sides of how clothes can obscure, protect and express the wearer’s personality. Of course formal training at RISD and years at TSE designing knitwear might have something to do with it; Highland at its core is what happens when artistic interpretation meets technical capabilities.

This balance between construction and inspiration not only helps keep the clothes functional and minimal, but lends a playfulness rarely seen in menswear. Blue (inspired by ’80s skiwear), red (“something I felt guys weren’t afraid of”) and mustard (“I’m obsessed with it. It’s so beautiful.”) punctuate an otherwise mostly black and grey palette and “pop on the inside is “for guys, like a little secret.”

A boxier cut to shirting plays on an ’80s silhouette that’s recently been making a comeback. But simple plaids and checks in Japanese fabrics, cotton and wool neatly put a spin on cliched lumberjack references for a fresh look. Sweats in coveted loopwheeler fabric (made in Japan using an intensive process) are another example of Owens’ knack for integrating technical details with modern silhouettes. And waxwear pants with reinforced legs reference Carhartt’s classic carpenter pants, but with one key difference—the loop for a hammer is actually a non-functional piece of climbing rope.

Check the Highland site for a complete list of stores or just head to Bastille to find Highland online.

All images except for top photo by James Ryang

A pared down approach to running, the ultra-lightweight Evo performance shoe allows the foot to fully flex, freeing it from superfluous padding while still offering strong support. Part of Terra Plana’s VivoBarefoot collection, the brand based the design on the biomechanical benefits of running barefoot—a method believed to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while realigning the body’s natural posture.

We recently put the Evos to the test, tasking a runner with wearing them while training for NYC’s half marathon. While she reports that the initial barefoot feeling seemed slightly strange, overall she found the shoes extremely comfortable, even helping to alleviate an old foot injury.

Without the interference of a thick sole, the foot’s 2,000 nerve endings stimulate senses all over the body from the tonsils to the kidneys, making for a healthier and more complete workout. The structure compels the foot to land on the ball or mid-range area instead of the heel, not only reducing the impact on the foot (and potential injuries) but also allowing the runner to use energy stored in the Achilles tendon and longitudinal arch.

A collaboration between Terra Plana owner Galahad Clark and head designer Asher Clark (seventh-generation shoemakers of the renowned Clark’s family), Evo sells online or from Terra Plana stores around the world for $160.

For snow, surf or other wet adventures, the new Gyst water-repellent bags make both getting ready and post-activity cleanup a snap. A flap unfolds into a mat, keeping feet clean while you shimmy in and out of wetsuits, boots and the like. When not in use, the mat magnetically reattaches to the main compartment, which securely stores wet stuff.

Designed for outdoor use, the durable PVC-free bag rests on a waterproof base and its numerous zippered compartments organize everything while protecting it all from sand, snow and mud.

The Gyst comes in four different types—the messenger, duffle and two backpacks—and ranges from $95-170. To order a bag send an email to info [at] gystconcept [dot] com, until their online shop is up and running.

Cyclists sick of juggling an iPhone while trying to ride will appreciate this waterproof iPhone case that easily attaches to any set of handlebars. Made by the sustainability-driven bike company Dahon, the BioLogic bike mount allows for tracking of speed, GPS, and distance, using apps like EveryTrail (free) or MotionX GPS ($3). The adjustable accessory also securely pivots the phone from portrait to landscape positions, an essential capability for those who want to take pictures or videos—a built-in membrane shields the lens.

The silicon liner keeps the phone in place, while a hard outer shell protects it from the elements. Safeguarded openings offer weatherproof support for headphones and charging cables too.

The BioLogic bike mount sells from Dahon for $60 or from Amazon.

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Given the snowpocalypse going on around us in NYC, killer gloves have become the essential accessory and the Alpha SV from Arc’Teryx is just the item. I’ve been testing them for a couple weeks now and am thoroughly impressed.

The Gore-Tex gloves embody all of the vital attributes for facing extreme winter conditions, further enhanced by Arc’Teryx’s new patent-pending Tri-Dex technology. This advanced construction involves a three-lobed finger pattern (see below) and authentic anatomical fit, providing the utmost comfort and dexterity by moving seams away from critical flex and touch points. The wind- and water-resistant shell comes with a removable fleece liner made in the same Tri-Dex form.

Breathable but completely insulating, the Alpha SV Gloves maximize warmth without causing interior moisture which is critical in the backcountry (where they’re really meant to be used).

Available next year, the gloves will also be made in mitt form.