The long-awaited collaboration between Jil Sander and Arc’teryx is finally here. Right on the heels of a collaboration with Birkenstock this summer, Jil Sander has partnered with the outdoor giant on a ski and snowboard inspired capsule collection. Initially teased in December of 2020, the joint effort sees Jil Sander working under their Jil Sander+ label, a logical decision seeing as the smaller division focuses on life outside of city limits. Arc’teryx has erupted in popularity among the fashion community and street culture alike in the past few years, with celebrity endorsements from some of most recognized names within hip hop and beyond. While the brand has collaborated with Palace in the past, this partnership marks Arc’s first foray into the world of high fashion.
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The Jil Sander and Arc'teryx Collaboration is Here
Both collaborations came as somewhat of a surprise given that Arc’teryx have never strayed from their anti-fashion stance, seeking only to make form-follows-function garments with a disregard for trends. After all, why should a brand intended for mountaineering need to work within the realm of fashion? It seems, however, that the brand (rightfully) wants to capitalize on their newfound popularity with this latest collaboration, and Jil Sander creates the perfect pairing.
The collection boasts Jil Sander’s minimalist sensibilities while maintaining Arc’teryx’s build quality and utility, creating garments that will have you looking like the flyest person on the mountain. The jackets from the capsule feature looser, more fashion forward cuts and asymmetric zips and pockets that add visual interest to the pieces. Made up of a men’s, women’s, and unisex jacket as well as bib pants and overalls, the collection is largely comprised of black and white with a slate-like blue as the colorful option.
In an interview with Hypebeast, Jil Sander creative directors Lucie and Luke Meier commented on the symbiosis between the two brands and how the collaboration made sense for both:
"The product is uncompromising, of exceptionally high quality, and functional. We wanted to bring the Jil Sander aesthetic to the world of high performance outerwear, and Arc’teryx helped us to do that."
Despite Arc'teryx's longstanding commitment to being an "anti-fashion" fashion brand, this collaboration seems to be the natural next step in their evolution as a brand valued for its aesthetic—whether they like it or not.
Arc'teryx x Jil Sander Release Date and Pricing:
