Karrimor Japan's Four Labels Explained
Karrimor operates a thriving diffusion line in Japan, aptly named 'Karrimor Japan', that offers up everything you need to wear no matter the situation - from the slopes, to work and college. Karrimor went through a rough patch in the early 2000's - which, due to licensing, is partly why we see so much of them in the likes of Sports Direct - and it was around this time the Japanese line was created. Like with many outdoor-focused brands, there is an emphasis on providing an innovative product that challenges the environment the wearer finds themselves in. Karrimor acknowledges this need to suit multiple fields and, as a result, four labels nestle under the Japanese umbrella - Ultimate, Explorer, Life and Aspire. Let's get into those in more detail.
Ultimate
The pinnacle of Karrimor Japan's technical offering that pursues the ultimate product. Designed in collaboration with top-level climbers and expeditionists, 'Ultimate' aims to expand the range of activities in the field that wearers can participate in. This particular line is democratic in the sense that with the assistance of the most skilled climbers, it develops a product for all to wear; whether you're highly skilled or a casual weekend climber. Some of the garments that fall into this category include insulated parka jackets, thermal base layers and soft-shell jackets, all of which have one goal in mind: to provide a top-tier product for a range of activities. One garment from this category that we’d like to highlight is the Alpinist Jacket - available in vibrant shades of orange and navy - which is constructed using a lightweight and durable eVent fabric. Design specifications that maximise its performance include a helmet-compatible hood, zippers that allow for increased ventilation and chest-high pockets that can be accessed whilst climbing.
Explorer
Designed for long periods of time on the trails, backpacking and trekking through mountainous areas, the Explorer line is as functionally-driven as its predecessor but the garments are slightly more casual in their delivery. Backpacks of varying capacities, insulated down jackets and safari hats are all function-forward products that have a toned-down appearance. On the surface, these garments may not scream functionality, but the underlying textiles and materials they are constructed with say otherwise! When stripped down to its core, the Nevis Parka is performance-driven by nature but sleek and seamless in appearance. Drawcord adjustability, hand gators and hidden pockets are three of many details that make this jacket what it is.
Life
The next category, Life, is less function-driven and a wide step away from the common perception people have of outdoors brands. All garments that fall under this casual line are designed to 'enrich your life'. These will be products that can be worn in a number of scenarios, from travel to business and leisure; multi-disciplinary and applicable to numerous areas of your life. Shirts with printed graphics, wide pants constructed from 4-way stretch polyester and fleece pullovers are all part of the ensemble. The Gust Crew 2 is a lightweight, insulated crew jacket boasting high water-repellency and a modern finish. The style of this garment is unique with a collarless design and overlapping zip-guard. You're as likely to see a commuter cycling as you are a student on the way to college sporting these pieces. This line is most recognisable for its lightweight, flexible and good-looking pieces.
Aspire
Still relatively new in its inception, Aspire is Karrimor Japan's fourth and most recent diffusion label which they consider to be their 'fashion line'. At face value, it is distinctly inspired by sportswear with its sights set on redefining not only design but what we currently know as 'functionality'. Seamlessly blurring the lines between function and form, it is definitely more fashion-forward with its designs and silhouettes, whilst the other lines we have touched on retain an outdoorsy feel to them. The outerwear is recognised by water-repellency, re-worked silhouettes and an iconic British window pen pattern. Subtle touches like this are a nod to their British roots which are becoming increasingly murky. One such piece that we’ll briefly highlight is the 3L Windpen Baracuta Jacket, a silhouette that is indicative of their British heritage and one steeped in tradition. The design builds upon the foundations of the iconic Harrington jacket with added features like drawcord adjustability for a more form-fitting look, three-layer fabric construction and an umbrella yoke on the back to promote ventilation. In all, much like the other lines we've touched on, it serves a purpose for a different kind of consumer.
With a different line concentrated on a secular taste and design approach, Karrimor Japan wholesomely caters for the needs of the modern urbanite in whatever situation they find themselves in. The Life category is optimal for day-to-day wear with comfortable and lightweight essentials, whilst the Explorer line provides some of the highest-quality outerwear pieces yet remains sleek in its delivery - a tough balance for outdoor brands to strike. The Japanese diffusion is hugely influential, as well as being extremely concise in its offering and while each line has a different purpose, or is suited to a contrasting environment, the vision remains strong throughout. It's as a result of this influential presence in Japan that we see collaborations with the likes of Junya Watanabe MAN and F/CE.
www.karrimor.jp
Words: Ali George Hinkins
Illustration: Renate Karin
