Let's Get Technical

It’s called product knowledge— 

knowing where your goods are made, how they’re made, what they’re made out of, and the intent behind the design. The more you know, the more informed you become as a consumer and you can rest assured you are making smart investments with your money. 

My background is in design. Well, if we’re getting technical, my degree is in Theatre with a concentration in Acting… but I studied costume design and designed a ton of shows while working in my college costume department. Mix that with 10+ years working in retail merchandise presentation and I developed a fascination with fabrics and manufacturing. 

If I’m going to spend $200 on a pair of denim. I want to know why. So with this look, I was really interested in the technical aspects of the clothes.

This anorak jacket is from Matiere, a brand whose name literally translates to “material (substance of which something is made). They take innovative fabrics and inject them into modern street-style apparel. 

The anorak had zip-off sleeves and I wasted no time taking those off and cuffing it a bit higher. They were functional, but I love the look with out them. It’s extremely lightweight and made out of a water resistant nylon with a mesh lining. The seam across the middle is a vent and the zippers are water repellant as well (something you don’t often think about with rain gear. A jacket isn’t water resistant if the zippers are made out of cotton). High-low hem to protect you when you’re riding a bike. 

It’s a functional design, but has such a cool look, you can wear it anywhere.

The shorts are from Frank + Oak’s SC Activ collection, a line designed with utility and harsh elements in mind. They are made from a cotton/stretch material and water actually beads up on them and slides right off. 

Basically, my entire body is ready for a downpour (necessary, given NY’s weather these days).

Can’t forget the reflective binding on the inside of the leg in case you’re riding a bike and want added night visibility. AND there’s a gel gripper on the inside of the waist to hold your shorts and shirt in place while on the move. 

Now that’s getting technical. 

What do you guys think of tech gear? With the innovations in fabric and design these days, I have a feeling more and more of our clothes are going to be multi-functional!!

Matiere anorak jacket (also in grey fleece) / Frank + Oak shorts / TopMan shirt / Grand Voyage sneakers / Brathwait watch / Ivory + Mason sunglasses