Archives: Press Releases

NEMO, an award-winning designer of outdoor gear and accessories that are built to improve the experience of adventure, has donated 1,600 sleeping bags to Big City Mountaineers and its partners in an effort to get more kids outside.

“Big City Mountaineers and their program partners are leaders in breaking down barriers to outdoor access,” said Mike Welch, VP of Global Sales for NEMO. “We’ve been donating a portion of our sales over the Labor Day Holiday for the last two years to support their mission to get more kids outside. We are incredibly excited to be able to support them further by providing gear that will enable adventures and learning outside for a new generation of students,”

The Kyan™ and women’s specific Azura™ feature NEMO’s revolutionary, patent-pending FeatherCore™ construction using PrimaLoft® Silver insulation. The combination creates an ultralight bag that provides all the benefits of synthetic insulation with a 40% reduction in packed size, making it comparable to down in efficiency. The aggressive shape, generous apparel-like hood, and unique Thermo Gills™ provide maximum warmth with flexible temperature regulation. Kyan™ was rated Best Buy in 2020 and 2019 by the independent Outdoor Gear Lab.

“We are so grateful for NEMO’s support over the years, and the thoughtfulness of this contribution is a testament to their company culture,” said Bryan Martin, Executive Director for Big City Mountaineers. “Having the technical gear to keep kids safe, warm, and dry when they are being introduced to the outdoors is critical to a successful BCM trip and ensures that the experience will be the start of lifelong connection to nature. Through NEMO’s generosity, we are able to spread this donation across 16 partner organizations who share our mission.”

Over one thousand sleeping bags is a significant number for a brand the size of NEMO to donate. It was a mistake in production that created the opportunity. The bags, which are otherwise in perfect condition and made to spec, received the wrong labels at the factory. Instead of wasting resources transporting the bags back to the factory for new labels and then back to NEMO, the brand decided it was a perfect opportunity to donate them to one of its favorite organizations. The bags are first quality and backed by NEMO’s lifetime warranty.

About NEMO

NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear design company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable and fun to use. Recently recognized by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility as a small business leader for the environment, the brand has won over 70 major awards for its designs since its founding in 2002. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, hammocks, and furniture—is an outgrowth of their design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. Their team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

SylvanSport, the Brevard, NC-based maker of innovative trailers and camping gear, is excited to announce their all-new GO Picnic Pad and deck cushion: a packable, cushioned pad that functions as a soft, insulating surface for outdoor picnics, or as a plush floor cushion for their GO camping trailer.

A fresh take on the old picnic blanket, the GO Picnic Pad is comfortable and cushy, with a waterproof bottom and a fuzzy fleece top. It opens up flat and stays flat, providing a nice surface to relax on. Its low-density foam construction provides cushion and insulates, while the durable, waterproof bottom layer keeps you dry. When you’re done picnicking, the pad easily folds into a compact carrying case for convenient storage and transport. Alternatively, GO camping trailer owners can use the GO Picnic Pad as an extra thick deck cushion to make the floor of their GO even more comfortable.

 

“At SylvanSport, everything we make is designed with multifunctionality in mind,” says Kara Errickson, Creative Director at SylvanSport. “The GO Picnic Pad folds into multiple sizes so you can use it in a variety of ways; from a yoga mat to hammock insulation, or a playpen mattress to a stadium seat cushion. We want our customers to get the maximum possible value out of every product they buy from us.”

 

If you would like more information on SylvanSport, please visit their website at www.sylvansport.com. For media inquiries, please reach out to Dan Arnett at dan@darbycommunications.com.  *SylvanSport offers pro deals! Claim yours today by emailing sales@sylvansport.com

About SylvanSport

Tom Dempsey founded SylvanSport in 2004 to bridge the Outdoor and RV industries. What started as an idea to create the next generation, lightweight pop-up camper has evolved into a full lineup of award-winning towables and innovative gear. The company mission to build a sustainable future starts with local sourcing and extends all the way to national initiatives for wilderness protection. Visit sylvansport.com to learn more.

Honey Stinger, the honey-powered sports nutrition brand, has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Ultimate Sports Association, a non-profit 501c3, which owns and operates the John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art youth sports hub in Walnut Creek, California.

Completed in December of 2015, the Ultimate Fieldhouse is a 40,000-square-foot youth sports facility that sees nearly 300,000 visitors per year, including over 1,000 youth basketball teams. The partnership establishes Honey Stinger as an official court sponsor of the Fieldhouse through September of 2023. In that capacity, Honey Stinger will be represented on a fully branded court within the facility, and will also have the opportunity to promote product samples to a broad range of facility users, as well as youth camp and clinic participants.

The Fieldhouse is part of the Jr. NBA Flagship Network, which recognizes the facility and its programming as among the seven best-in-class youth basketball organizations in the world. Ultimate is also a USA Basketball certified organization and is home to Steph Curry’s Under Armour SC30 Select Camp. The Ultimate Fieldhouse also became the training home for the NBA Pro Pathway Program’s team Ignite earlier this year.

“Our partnership with Ultimate Fieldhouse is a terrific opportunity for us to support youth sports and some of the country’s most prestigious development programs,” said Mike Keown, CEO of Honey Stinger. “The court branding also offers a tremendous stage for Honey Stinger to increase our involvement within the sport of basketball – a key focus for the brand in 2021 and beyond.”

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About Honey Stinger

Fueling top elites and everyday enthusiasts alike, Honey Stinger makes great tasting, convenient, honey-powered sports nutrition to help athletes prepare, perform and recover at their best. The company’s diverse product offering includes a variety of waffles, gels, chews, bars and more, providing natural, sustained energy for every endeavor. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado since 2001, Honey Stinger’s products can be found at sporting goods retailers, grocers, convenience stores and online at www.honeystinger.com.

About Ultimate Sports Association

The Ultimate Sports Association (USA) is a non-profit 501C3 dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It is our mission to provide our community with programming that allows us to develop our youth to their full potential, socially, physically and mentally in a safe and secure environment. USA owns and operates the John Muir Health Ultimate Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot youth basketball facility located in Walnut Creek, California. For more information, visit ultimatefieldhouse.com.

SEATTLE, Wash. (November 23, 2020) – Outdoor Research, a leader in functional outdoor, tactical and medical apparel and accessories, this week announced a new leadership structure with industry veteran Roger Barton taking the helm of the company. Since 2018, Barton has led all aspects of finance and operations at Outdoor Research, building on a range of recent successes and investments that have propelled the company to record results. Barton previously held senior operating and financial roles at Marmot over a 24-year period. Current President Michelle Wardian has been promoted to President and Chief Strategy Officer of Youngone America and will serve on the Outdoor Research Board of Directors.

“It is my great pleasure to announce the promotion of Roger Barton to President of Outdoor Research,” Wardian said. “Over the last two-and-a-half years Roger has been an incredible partner in the transformation of our brand and he is deeply committed to our mission of creating protective solutions that provide durable value and improve the lives of our customers. Roger leads with integrity and compassion. His deep experience in specialty retail and his commitment to best in class operations will propel Outdoor Research to the next stage of greatness.”

Kihak Sung, Chairman of Youngone Corporation said: “Michelle’s passion for building diverse, high-performing teams empowers our organization to build strategic partnerships across a wide group of stakeholders. I’m delighted to have Outdoor Research move forward under Roger’s leadership, and grateful for both Michelle and Roger’s continued dedication and focus on Youngone family companies.”

New President Roger Barton added: “I am incredibly excited to continue to be a part of a brand that has the history and authenticity that Outdoor Research does. Michelle has built a team that has been resilient and that has performed in the face of a challenging year for the OR brand and for our industry partners. Owners Chairman Sung, Youngone and Dan Nordstrom have continued to make significant investments in the business for the long term. We continue to have a deep commitment to serve and provide world class protection for our Outdoor and Military consumers.” 

About Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research was built to methodically create, protect, and prepare for the future. Since 1981 we have demonstrated our expertise in the outdoor, medical, and tactical industries with award-winning protective equipment. Our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees sustain us through seemingly impossible challenges. Join us at outdoorresearch.com.

ECCO, the leading family-owned global footwear brand, has added sales rep groups in four key territories to further expand its business in the outdoor and athletic specialty category. Having recently appointed Erik Walcott to Global Head of Specialty sales, the brand continues moving toward furthering its commitment to growth in outdoor and athletic in the US.

“The outdoor market is shifting and becoming much faster and more athletic and we see a lot of potential for ECCO Outdoor as we offer our retailers a point of difference, newness and most importantly, profitability,” said Thomas Dixon, National Sales and Product Manager for Outdoor for ECCO USA. “We’ve been able to recruit some of the best agencies and reps in the business, choosing partners who have the knowledge, expertise and mindset to grow with us.”

Pat Davis will lead the Green River Sales group in the Rockies, with accounts existing and currently opening in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.  With Green River Sales, ECCO joins other notable outdoor and specialty brands including Mountain Hardwear and the STANLEY brand. 

Stephanie Terrell Guth and Katie Woodruff of bettysport are taking on the South Central region for the brand, covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas, where they also drive sales for Eagle Creek, Outdoor Research, and Prana. 

Paul Gerten of Gerten Outdoors will head up the Midwest states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin with proven sales for brands like Nemo and Primus.

Cody Prudoehl of Outside Moves adds ECCO outdoor to their sales mix which includes bringing  Howler Brothers, Mammut, Nitro Snowboards, Oakley, and Topo Designs sales and service to specialty partners in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

The new sales force joins current agencies in the Pacific Northwest and West Coast led by Bill Campbell of Strategic Sales Solutions, and the in Southeast, with Katherine Corbett of Venture Out Inc.

“This investment in our specialty channels comes with growth that has, despite a tough year, allowed us to partner with well-established rep groups who truly know specialty sales,” adds Dixon. “We now have a sales force in place that will nurture their strong connections, serve our retail base and create opportunities for us in new points of distribution in the ever evolving outdoor market.”

About ECCO

ECCO is one of the world’s leading shoe brands, combining style and comfort. ECCO’s success is built on products with a great fit and top-quality leathers. ECCO owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from tanneries and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 90 countries from over 2,200 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. ECCO is family-owned, founded in Denmark in 1963, and employs more than 21,000 people worldwide. www.ecco.com

 

Since 1960, Fjällräven has produced sustainable top-quality outdoor equipment known for its craftsmanship, timeless styling and durability allowing more people to comfortably spend time in nature. Inspiring people to walk with nature has always been an important pillar of the brand’s core values and this is reflected in an ongoing effort to share the gift of experiences in nature through their Get Into Nature Giveaway. For the second year in a row, Fjällräven will give users and fans annual U.S. National Park passes to access nature. Additionally, two personalized shopping experiences—in-person or virtual—will be awarded to participants to gear up to get outside.

This year, given the challenges of in-store giveaways due to COVID-19, Fjällräven has evolved their successful blockchain technology which utilizes SmartMedia Objects, also known as Fox Coins, to meet users safely where they are and virtually engage with them. For 30 days beginning on November 20, the brand will give away 50 annual U.S. National Park passes to users who collect Fox Coins to increase their chances of winning. Users will also be entered to win one of two grand prizes for a virtual or in-store shopping experience valued at $500 each.

“We have been walking with nature for over 50 years at Fjällräven,” says Fjällräven’s CEO of Americas and V.P. of Fenix Outdoor International AG, Nathan Dopp. “Nature is there for anyone to experience, which is why we’re providing people across the country the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the benefits nature has to offer. This year, we’re excited to give the gift of experiencing the outdoors with our second U.S. National Park pass giveaway in addition to personalized shopping experiences to gear up two winners to get outside, enjoy nature and create memories.”

The Get Into Nature Giveaway can be entered in multiple ways, giving participants more chances to win. Users are entered into the giveaway by signing up, then additional entries can be gained by sharing with friends, following on social media, watching brand videos and engaging with immersive educational experiences that focus on Fjällräven’s mission, values and sustainable products.

“Right now, more people are turning to nature as a source of inspiration and to reenergize,” says Fjällräven’s V.P. of Brand Experience, Jean-Marie Shields. “We want to empower users to experience the positive effect getting into nature has on the body and mind.”

Whether it’s giving fans and users the opportunity to win annual U.S. National Park passes or personal shopping experiences, introducing thousands of people to trekking on Fjällräven Classic events around the world, sustainably designing and producing outerwear, apparel and gear that is tailored to spending time in nature, or donating proceeds to beneficiaries of The Arctic Fox Initiative, Fjällräven aims to protect nature and inspire more people to spend time outdoors.

To learn more about or enter the Get Into Nature Giveaway please visit fjallraven.vatomviewer.com/login/fjallraven/GetIntoNatureFall2020. Please direct Fjällräven media inquiries to Account Manager Ethan Peck at ethan.peck@rygr.us.

 

About Fjällräven: In 1960, Åke Nordin founded Fjällräven in his basement in the Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik. Since then, Fjällräven has made a commitment to quality and timeless design, while staying true to our mission of developing timeless, functional and durable outdoor equipment, acting responsibly towards people, animals and nature and inspiring people to get outside. Today the company has presence in over 30 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fjallraven.com.

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The Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont (CRAG-VT) and Access Fund recorded a permanent easement this month to strengthen conservation and recreation protections at Bolton Dome, while simultaneously forging agreements with local indigenous groups to allow access to the land.

CRAG-VT acquired Bolton Dome in 2018, with support from Access Fund’s Climbing Conservation Loan Program (CCLP).  Since the purchase, CRAG-VT opened the crag for climbing and established a sustainable trail network. Bolton Dome now features more than 75 routes, from 5.3 to 5.13.

In 2020, CRAG-VT reached out to Access Fund for additional support in their long-term commitment to land protection. The two groups established a conservation and recreation easement—a legal agreement to protect the climbing area, preventing any use of the property that would significantly hinder public access and recreation, specifically rock climbing, both now and in the future. The easement allows for other compatible uses, like hiking, while restricting certain activities, like forest management.

In addition, Access Fund and CRAG-VT worked with leaders of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation to develop language that will afford access to the greater Abenaki People (the Abenaki). The easement allows for certain recreational, cultural, and educational uses; the procurement of foods, materials, and medicines; and other traditional activities. CRAG-VT is entering into a second agreement with the Abenaki to further outline these uses and encourage this newly forged relationship.

Nulhegan Band Chief Don Stevens says of the partnership, “Native peoples have been the original stewards of lands for thousands of years, until we were removed from them. Ultimately, we would prefer unencumbered and permanent restitution of our traditional homelands. However, until this occurs, the Nulhegan Abenaki have found ways to partner with current landowners to access natural resources for traditional uses as our ancestors did. CRAG-VT and Access Fund have become one of those partners. They have realized the value and mutual benefit in having a relationship with the original Vermonters who call this place N’Dakinna (our land). We applaud their efforts and value the relationship.”

“We hope that more climbing organizations are motivated to partner with Indigenous entities and their members to see how climbers can support restoring land rights to Indigenous communities,” CRAG-VT President Kris Fiore says.

After subdividing off a 2-acre lot with the existing house, CRAG-VT resold the residential area in September 2018, returning $256,000 of CCLP funds to go back toward protecting other threatened climbing areas. CRAG-VT retained 46 acres for long-term ownership and management, where the easement applies.  Former CRAG-VT board member and Bolton Dome property steward Dick Katzman donated $10,000 toward covering Access Fund’s permanent responsibility for upholding the easement but CRAG-VT is actively fundraising to cover the remaining costs of the acquisition and stewardship improvements. We encourage climbers to donate at cragvt.org/boltondomeproject.

The Access Fund conservation and recreation easement, coupled with CRAG-VT’s agreement with the Abenaki, will help CRAG-VT ensure long-term stewardship, protect this newly popular Bolton climbing area for public recreation, and expand access for the Abenaki to enrich the interests of its people.

 

About CRAG-VT
Established in 1999, CRAG-VT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving access and conservation of Vermont’s climbing resources. We serve the climbing community of Vermont through a variety of mechanisms: preserving and aiding in the protection of climbing opportunities in Vermont by building and maintaining long-term relationships with landowners; serving climbers, land managers, landowners, and the general public as an educational resource for responsible climbing, access status, historical information, species and habitat protection, and legal matters; and promoting responsible stewardship and reducing environmental impacts by conducting trail maintenance, volunteer cleanups, and producing educational materials. For more information, visit www.cragvt.org.

About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy and conservation organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. Founded in 1991, Access Fund supports and represents millions of climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Six core programs support the mission on national and local levels: climbing management policy, stewardship and conservation, local support and mobilization, land acquisition and protection, risk management and landowner support, and education. Since 1990, Access Fund has supported 81 land acquisitions by land trusts, public entities, and local climbing organizations, totaling 17,421 acres across 27 states. For more information, visit www.accessfund.org.

Today, the Outbound Collective announced the winners of their inaugural Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers. Adam Edwards, Erin McGrady and Amanda Machado were each awarded a $2,000 cash stipend and $2,000+ in gear.

More than 100 people applied for the program. “We were humbled by the interest this program received and we had so many talented applicants that we expanded the residency from two winners to three,” said Brian Heifferon, CEO and co-founder of the Outbound Collective. “We are looking forward to highlighting the work of these amazing, intrepid adventurers as part of our effort to increase the amount of published content from traditionally marginalized members of the community.”

An arborist by trade, Portland-based Adam Edwards is also a freelance writer, photographer, model, actor and content creator. He enjoys whitewater kayaking, trail running, surfing, riding bicycles, climbing, fishing, campfires, cider, rosé, exploring little known reaches of the mountains and hills. He said, “I think that opening doors for more people to enjoy their outdoor experience is imperative. I believe improving inclusivity benefits the industry and conservation efforts. By embracing new users we can share the appreciation of these spaces  and protect our outdoor resources together.” 

Erin McGrady is a freelance photographer, writer, content creator, and Squarespace web designer based in Asheville, North Carolina. Her first formal introduction to the National Park system was when she was eight. Her grandparents took her and her siblings on an RV trip to Shenandoah National Park for her first taste of true adventure, trails, and hiking. She’s been addicted to exploring ever since. She said, “The outdoors have had such a positive impact on my life. Some of my most treasured memories are from time spent outside. Those experiences have helped me develop self-confidence, meet new people, deepen existing relationships, and boost my overall happiness. I think it should be a right to access the outdoors, not just a privilege.” She added, “Growing up, I rarely saw people that looked like me in ads, on TV, or in magazines. They were missing in my classrooms, on my sports teams, and in the woods. Slowly, I think that’s changing. And I’m glad about it. It’s a step in the right direction. When you start to see yourself represented, it has a positive impact. I want kids coming up in today’s world to see other people that look like them doing things that they can then dream and do.”

Based in Oakland, California, Amanda Machado writes essays and facilitates workshops on justice and anti-oppression for organizations around the world. She said, “In many ways, I don’t see it as a “day job” separate from my writing work, because the conversations I facilitate in these workshops are also a means of sharing stories about power and privilege and creating space for exploring these topics together.” She added, “Black, indigenous and people of color have always been leaders in protecting the earth and living in the right relationship with nature and land. The stories we have traditionally told in the United States about the outdoors simply have not made room for that history. I believe it’s our work today to reclaim that history and take up space in an industry that too often has erased our stories.” Her first essay entitled, “Living with Two Feet on the Shore” was recently published on the Outbound Collective website and asks, “If our love for travel is so deeply interwoven with colonialism, how do we ‘settle’ on land in a way that feels like resistance?”

The Writers Residency for Underrepresented Storytellers launched with the support of Eddie Bauer, HOKA ONE ONE and Sawyer.

This program is one of several initiatives to get everyone outside, especially members of communities that the outdoor industry has historically excluded. They have created initiatives to promote representative storytelling, spotlight diverse artists, highlight underrepresented communities in film, and strengthen partnerships with and between community partners. Through these efforts, The Outbound Collective will build an inclusive and truly representative home for the modern outdoor industry.

Click here for high res versions of these photos.

 

ABOUT THE OUTBOUND COLLECTIVE
Launched in 2013, the Outbound Collective is a website, iOS and Android app dedicated to helping travelers find local adventures, tours, and lodging options around the globe. The Outbound Collective helps its 15 million website users and 850,000 social media followers find the best spots to hike, camp, chill, and more – all with a simple interface, incredible photography, inspirational destination guides, how-to’s and stories. To learn more, visit. theoutbound.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

SEATTLE, Wash. (Nov. 23, 2020) – Filson, the rugged outdoor outfitter, announced today a new line of denim jeans, the latest chapter in a legacy that spans over a century of outfitting customers for the most demanding conditions. Sewn in the U.S. using American and Italian materials, Filson Denim brings the brand’s trusted legacy of workmanship to an everyday staple.

 

Filson has built a reputation for reliability by creating durable gear that can withstand the most demanding conditions. Since 1897, Filson’s signature materials like Tin Cloth and Mackinaw Wool have been providing customers unfailing protection and Filson Denim is no exception. 

 

“Denim is a timeless and everyday fabric, and there is a sense of arrival with bringing this line into Filson, alongside materials like our Tin Cloth and Mackinaw Wool that consumers have come to know and love,” said Alex Carleton, Filson Chief Creative Officer. “As an outfitter made for and built by those in the field, we look forward to offering denim for years to come.”

 

Each of the new denim styles is built for work and everyday wear. The Rail-Splitter Jeans, available in both raw and rinsed finishes, features 5-pocket construction, double-lined rear pockets, a straight-leg cut and zipper-fly. The limited-edition Rail-Splitter Selvedge Jeans are constructed from Japanese selvedge denim on vintage shuttle looms giving it a tight, durable weave for added sturdiness.  Sewn in the U.S., the durable Bullbuck Double-Front Jeans are reinforced with double-layer leg-fronts and double-layer rear pockets.

 

Filson Denim Product Details:

                                                                  

Rail-Splitter Jeans – $165

Sports a classic 5-pocket design, sewn in the USA with American and Italian denim. With a metal shank-button waist closure and double-layer pocket bottoms, they’re built for heavy wear. Double-layer-reinforced rear pockets. Straight-leg cut and zipper-fly. Available in preshrunk raw or rinsed denim. Available colors include Medium Indigo, Rinse Black and Rinse Indigo.

Images here

 

Rail-Splitter Selvedge Jeans – $225

Durable 5-pocket jeans sewn in the USA with 13.5-oz. Japanese selvedge denim. With a metal shank-button waist closure and double-layer pocket bottoms, they’re built to endure heavy wear. Double-layer-reinforced rear pockets. Straight-leg cut and zipper-fly.

Images here

 

Bullbuck Double-Front Jeans – $185

Durable work jeans sewn in the USA and reinforced with double-layer leg fronts. With a metal shank-button waist closure and double-layer pocket bottoms, they’re built for countless hours on the clock. Double-layer-reinforced rear pockets. Straight-leg cut and zipper-fly. Sewn in USA with American denim.

Images here

 

Lined Denim Short Cruiser – $350

Sewn in the U.S. with raw denim from the historic Cone Mills, it will develop its own unique wear patterns and patina over years of service. Fully lined with Alaskan Guide brushed flannel that’s kept sportsmen, ranchers and bush pilots warm for decades. Hip-length fit with adjustable waist and a sturdy metal-shank button-front closure.

Images here

About Filson

Established in Seattle in 1897 to outfit prospectors headed for the Yukon, the company’s 123-year legacy is built upon its reputation for honesty, quality and durability. Filson’s long-lasting gear is the choice of explorers, adventurers, ranchers, hunters, anglers, engineers and anyone with a passion for the outdoors. Over a century after its founding, the Filson headquarters remain in Seattle, Washington. For more information, go to Filson.com.

 

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Kering, Tracy Reese, Gabriela Hearst, Lenzing join United Nations officials to advance sustainability action in the fashion industry and to recover better together from COVID-19

 The Conscious Fashion Campaign, an initiative founded by social entrepreneur Kerry Bannigan to accelerate fashion industry action in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, launches a month-long virtual educational experience, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships,  entitled “Discover the Sustainable Development Goals –  To Power the Decade of Action” from December 1 – 30, 2020.

The experience aims to advance knowledge and strengthen engagement from the global fashion industry to further support the Decade of Action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – the 17 goals to transform our world. Discover the SDGs online exhibit will feature a wide range of SDG informational tools along with fashion sector focused on-demand discussions with industry leaders, United Nations officials and advocates; including Kering, Lenzing, Allbirds, PVH, Vogue Business, CFDA, the British Fashion Council, Messe Frankfurt, Collina Strada and the Swarovski Foundation.

“This is a critical time to accelerate partnerships to address the world’s biggest challenges – from eliminating poverty, hunger and inequalities to reversing climate change and unsustainable consumption and production practices,” said Annemarie Hou, acting Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships. “The fashion industry is an important ally for the United Nations in this Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs by 2030.”

Discover the SDGs virtual event, powered by Arch and Hook, Artistic Milliners and Lenzing; and supported by Interwoven, ITL Group and Orta, serves as a catalyst for a new era of fashion; exploring the intersection of the SDGs and fashion business including climate action, gender equality, industry innovation, digitisation, life of land and responsible production and consumption. Speakers include fashion designers Anyango Mpinga, Gabriela Hearst, Maria Cornejo and Tracy Reese; Marsha Cooke, Senior Vice President Impact, Vice Media Group; Emily Chan, Sustainability Editor, Vogue Global Network; Dominic-Madori Davis, Reporter, Business Insider; Sara Maino, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Vogue Italia & Head of Vogue Talents; Jill Martin Wrenn, Business Reporter, BBC and Fiona Sinclair Scott, Global Editor, CNN Style. Industry supporters also include Drapers, Fashinnovation, Kingpins, Transformers Foundation and Raw Assembly.

The event will feature United Nations representatives from the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, United Nations Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory on Climate Change, United Nations Capital Development Fund, UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe/Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

In her role as the Director of Global Business Development at Lenzing, Tricia Carey explains the importance of sustainability within the fashion industry; “As we close out a tumultuous 2020, we have optimism for a new year with a path to recover better together.  Discover the SDG’s by the Conscious Fashion Campaign provides the fashion industry with the tools to make educated choices with regards to both the environment and society.  Lenzing uses the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for our initiatives to be a responsible wood-based cellulosic fiber producer making TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal.”

Given its global reach, the fashion industry is uniquely positioned to increase collaboration and engagement around the SDGs. With the pervasiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has seen unparalleled disruption to its operations and supply chains. As the fashion sector revises and adapts priorities, now is the time to ensure that this disruption can serve as the catalyst for a new sustainable era for all stakeholders involved.

The role of partnerships is more crucial than ever in order to recover from the pandemic and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Murtaza Ahmed, Owner and Managing Director of Artistic Milliners emphasizes this; “At Artistic Milliners, we believe any one entity alone cannot rely on fragmented work to achieve global impact. Therefore, we are leveraging the power of SDGs as the most comprehensive framework of collective action to bring about real impact. Our efforts have led to our recognition by the United Nations Global Compact as the Global Pioneer of SDG 5: Gender Equality. We want to share our best practices with our peers and partners and the Conscious Fashion Campaign provides the perfect platform to inspire the global fashion industry to action.” 

Discover the SDGs, convened by the Conscious Fashion Campaign in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, December 1 – 30, 2020 | www.discoverthesdgs.com

 The Conscious Fashion Campaign

The Conscious Fashion Campaign, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, is an awareness-driven initiative that engages leading global fashion industry events to accelerate collective action in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. The campaign facilitates high-impact partnerships that advocate sustainable solutions and innovations for the fashion sector to address the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental issues.

The Conscious Fashion Campaign actively supports the Decade of Action by bridging together United Nations agencies and fashion industry stakeholders to enable the Sustainable Development Goals to scale. The Conscious Fashion Campaign partners collectively represent over $4.7 billion revenue, 800 events in 40 countries, 136,000 exhibiting businesses, 11.9 million industry attendees and 14,700 employees.  www.consciousfashioncampaign.com

United Nations Office for Partnerships

The United Nations Office for Partnerships serves as a connector for co-creating collaborations and provides a platform for effective engagement of public and private sector stakeholders with the United Nations development system to advance the Decade of Action to Deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. www.un.org/partnerships