It’s not unusual for fashion trends to intersect – may I regrettably remind you of the bizarre train-cum-loafer presented by New Balance earlier this year – but I bet a merging of ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘gorpcore’ wasn’t on your 2024 predictions list.
But today marks exactly that, as Loro Piana – the Italian fashion house synonymous the opulent trend and, subsequently, the wardrobe of Succession’s much-loved and much-loathed Roy clan – releases its first capsule designed for en plein air, named ‘Into The Wild’.
In it contains all the pieces you need for an adventure, whether you’re a novice walker (two-hour ramble in the Cotswolds) or a pro-wanderer (the steep inclines of the Dolomites). The bomber jackets, hooded parkas, anoraks and rainproof capes are fitted with multiple pockets – for your trail mix, of course – and drizzle-protecting hoods. Leggings slide nicely underneath shorts to suit ever-changing weather conditions. While gloves, bucket hats and socks form its accessory offering, all to be neatly packed in the collection’s backpack.
In keeping with the inconspicuous essence of the trend that whispers its wealth, the collection’s earthy colour palette allows for complete camouflage, aided by the lack of logos that gorpy juggernauts – Arc’teryx, Patagonia and The North Face, to name a few – are known for.
Loro Piana’s famed remit is its development of natural fibres, which are further advanced with technical properties in this collection. Wool has been developed to contain three-layer technical membranes that enhance their natural performance, protecting its wearer against the cold, wind and rain.
But there’s innovation with the rambling-ready materials, too. The high performing garments feature Graphene, a membrane made from graphite with heat-conducting properties that distributes body heat evenly. Curly Cashfur and Coarsehair® give a rugged softness to knitwear, while the brand’s Rain System® treatment allows for it to be, you guessed it, rain resistant.
Of course, every hiker needs a good pair of hiking boots. Loro Piana joined forces with ROA to elevate their Katharina and Andreas designs, crafting them from LP’s Bristol material – a water-resistant fabric made of a wool, stretch silk and technical fabric-blend – that sits upon the signature Vibram sole found across all of ROA’s shoes.
Sure, the aesthetic pairing seemed unlikely, but in this context, it works. If only it had been released in time for Waystar Royco’s hunting expedition in Hungary.
The ‘Into The Wild’ capsule collection is available from June 6th in selected Loro Piana boutiques and on loropiana.com.