Woolrich Woolen Mills
Brand backstory: America's treasures are occasionally better appreciated by our non-American friends. Case in point: Woolrich Woolen Mills. The classic American brand Woolrich has seen a recent spinoff in the hands of the Italians, to brilliant effect. The brand?s collection pays homage to the rich history of American manufacturing?and almost all the apparel is made in the U.S.A. but its line features designs that cater to the far-flung cosmopolitan crowd. First in the hands of Japanese-born Daiki Suzuki (working in the U.S.), who set the line?s tone with classic reprisals with a rugged, outdoorsy slant, Woolrich Woolen Mills is now overseen by Mark McNairy, the Americana obsessive who?s logged time at J.Press, Southwick, and his own streetwear label, 68 & Brothers. McNairy's mashup of iconoclasm and traditionalism has proved a perfect match for the label. In his first season at the helm, McNairy drew on midcentury military uniforms and collegiate styles, and introduced the brand's first footwear, a nod to his side project as shoe designer of his eponymous line.
