A Collection Fit for the Urban Explorer

“The urban explorer is looking for both style and functionality,” says David Maddocks, CMO and general manager of business development at Cole Haan, “and is unwilling to sacrifice one over the other.” Aiming to thoroughly combine the tow, the footwear label teamed up with adventure outfitters Mountain Hardwear on a collection of men’s and women’s coats and shoes. Keeping city dweller’s needs at the forefront of the design process, the brands combined their respective scientific know-how—Cole Haan’s proprietary ZerøGrand technology for comfortable, lightweight boots, and Mountain Hardwear’s catalogue of durable fabrics for warmth—to fashion commuter-wear that withstands the elements in flattering silhouettes, prints, and colors. Thoughtfully constructed details show an attention to elevate pieces: an insulated men’s jacket is the length of suit coat, and a woman’s parka has a cowl neck. Together, the two lines have acknowledged that city slickers still need weather-proofing.