OR, SIA roundup
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. While some of the larger brands were cutting back, it gave room for some of the newer brands to take a good position. One of these brands that we noticed was Mission Playground, who seems to be claiming a clear stake in their lifestyle apparel. Product looked great. As for fabrics, the real reason we go, many suppliers were offering innovative new eco solutions, anti-microbial solutions, and ultra-lightweight fabrics - that actually perform.
SIA on the other hand seemed just as busy as ever. No sign of smaller booths, many new and fresh brands, integration of some European brands like Zimstern, and ever expanding brands like Neff and Nomis. Neff introduced more mid-layers, and even into some outerwear collaborations. Nomis expanded their outerwear offerings, along with their booth. Silhouettes seemed to be slimming, as were aware, and more lifestyle detailing put into technical outerwear.
We can’t ever mention Vegas, without paying homage to Capriottis Sandwich shop on Sahara.
And their incredible “Bobby” sandwich, which is a thanksgiving meal in sub form. Most incredible sandwich in Vegas, but maybe not the riht thing to ingest before making the 10 hour trek back to Colorado. It summons nap time pretty quick.
