A Few Thoughts On Woolrich's 180th Anniversary

Hopefully you read Start With Typewriters and recently saw my man Jeremy's post on Woolrich's 180th Anniversary limited edition F/W 2010 collection.  The collection is a small, well edited batch of wearable items complete with Woolrich's signature outdoorsy aesthetic.  One can only assume that when this collection was being designed that Woolrich wanted to honor its heritage, both new and old.  In my eyes Woolrich has been one of the few brands that has stuck to it guns while continuing to push the envelope with its diffusion lines (via a distribution deal with Italy's WP) .  It is truly rare to see such an establish brand branch out with not only one, but two supplementary brands - I'm speaking of Woolrich Woolen Mills and Woolrich John Rich  Bros. of course.  In recent years Woolrich has been able to simultaneously continue to provide classic goods to their established customer base and reach out to a whole new demographic, myself included.  The 180th Anniversary collection draws from both of these ideas by presenting an almost greatest hits collection of gear from years past.  Look closely and you'll see classic Woolrich silhouettes along with recent additions to their catalog via Daiki Suzuki's Woolen Mills designs and the collective braintrust of John Rich & Bros.  It's a job well done from a consumers standpoint and an incredible snapshot of a brand who for 180 years had done pretty much everything right without ever sacrificing their integrity.

[Pictures courtesy of SWT.]

-L.A.S