Denham’s latest collection places an even greater emphasis on a booming trend. With outdoor survivalist designs increasing popularity in the streetwear space, the Dutch denim brand tapped ArkAir to create a capsule collection merging heritage and utility influences.
Owned by Arktis, which develops and manufactures military-grade outerwear for the U.K. and European Special Forces, ArkAir creates contemporary pieces that blend streetwear, urban and outdoor aesthetics. The partnership harmoniously combines the strengths of each brand, resulting in a functional range of gear that seamlessly transitions from the trees to the streets.
“Together with ArkAir, we developed a capsule collection that blends their technical expertise and brand vision with our authenticity, brand identity and know-how,” Denham stated in a release.
The five-piece men’s collection spans a rain jacket, cargo pants, utility vest, bucket hat and a tote bag featuring a camouflage print created by Rick Berkelmans, a Dutch illustrator better known under the name Hedof. The print incorporates Denham’s trademark scissor logo, which pays homage to his first pair of the widely used tailor tool.
The collection almost exactly mirrors the recommendations of retail intelligence platform Edited, which last month identified windbreakers, gilets (outdoor vests) and cargo bottoms as styles to watch. Specifically, it pointed to puffer vests in camouflage prints as being most popular. While outdoor-inspired fashion is a top theme of 2022, so is its preppy rival. Edited anticipates that the two seemingly opposite trends will merge, thanks to one common interest: camouflage. It called out opportunities to carry the outdoor motif into preppy items such as varsity jackets in traditional or digitized camo versions.
Following Denham’s recycled jeans made in partnership with longstanding partner Candiani in December, the ArkAir collaboration furthers the brand’s focus on sustainability. The majority of items in the range are comprised of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, while the rain jacket features 2-ounce Cordura Nylon, a long-lasting performance fabric.
The Denham x ArkAir collection is now available online, with styles ranging from $88 (79 euros) to $358 (319 euros). Apparel is offered in sizes XS-3XL.
