The First Ascent website teaser was just published.  First Ascent is the new re-branding category for the retailer Eddie Bauer.  We were chosen to take on the design and development of the Men’s category for this new line.  From the begining, the brand approached MEF with all hands on deck approach, and a realization that we needed to design a line and category that would rejuvinate the brand to be known as a true authentic outdoor brand again.  We were paired with iconic mountaineers like Peter Whittaker, Ed Viestors, Dave Hahn, and more, for in depth look into the needs at 24,000ft.  More after the launch.  www.firstascent.com

Headed off to Munich for the gigantic ISPO trade fair, since we didn’t have enough trade shows so far.  This is always a great chance to see what’s going on in the Europ market, as so many strong brands have yet to make it to the US market.   The first thing to notice is the bright tones, then comes the fashion themes, then comes the fur and luxury elements (sometimes too much). (more…)

While in Vegas for SIA, we headed out to the Transworld Snowboarding Reader Poll Awards, which is the chance the the athletes to be recognized by the magazine readers, for their continued progression on the hill.  This is a time where I get a little more humble, being around athletes that I’ve idolized since I was a grom on the hill, way to long ago to speak about.  Like getting in the elavator with (more…)

February is a busy month so far, as we headed to Outdoor Retailer first in Salt Lake City, then off to SIA in Las Vegas.  The OR show this year seemed smaller then we’ve ever seen it, with less brands showing due to the economic climate.  The brands that were there, were evidently focusing on safe direction, with expansion in softer layers, expanding their mid-layer programs. One of these brands was Arc Teryx, whose fleece program looked great this season, killing the color combonations as they do, and bringing in great fleece textures.  (more…)

MEF Creative has had to pleasure of working with some of the world’s best mountaineers over the past year, to design and develop some of the most technical and relevant apparel & outerwear for their missions up mountains.  So far the climbers are up to 16,600ft, and things are going fantastic.  The team guided by Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs and Melissa Arnot, along with Aconcagua rookie guide Dave Hahn.  The trip is being documented by Jake Norton, Gerry Moffet, Kent Harvey, along with Thom Pollard.  Seth Waterfall and Chad Peele are guiding the production team.  The outerwear & apparel being used on this trip was designed by MEF Creative, in conjunction with the “brand.” (more…)

Just wishing everyone a very Happy Holidays wherever you might be.  We’re surrounded by tons of snow here in the mountains, and will be taking a few days off to enjoy it. Here’s to a great year we’re leaving behind, and an even better one we’re about to enter.  May the New Year bring many successes and achievements to all.  Stay Up.

Took this past week to take work on the road, and check in with the Colorado hils with some of the better conditions.  Started around home in Breckenridge, where we had an epic week of snow dumping.  Similar to last years post Thanksgiving dump, it dropped almost two feet in a few days.  (more…)

So finally after about 6 months in the works, with a lot of lag time in between as we were sidetracked for actual PAYING projects, our website is now officially launched.  Thanks for all the support of our industry friends, clients, comrads, and athletes, we’re excited to be teamed up with all the right people.  So take a few and look through the intro site, and let us know your feedback.  If there are areas that rock, or portions that could use a little love, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

After flying by this mountain too many times to remember, and hearing the captain pointing it out every single time, it was time for a change.  This weekend a few of us headed up to Mount Rainier to get a little re-fresher on mountaineering skills, and what a weekend for it.  One of the hottest of the summer, hitting above 90 degrees o the glacier, which according to the guides, is pretty much unheard of.  Of course all the 3L outerwear I was (more…)

While recently on a development trip through Asia, took the opportunity to try and get some good shots other then product and samples.  The first one here wa taken as the factory day ended in Bangladesh, and 20,000 people were about to venture the mile walk to the main road to get a bus.  While everyone was focused ahead, the one women looking at me was in focus.

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