for a tailored t while providing ultimate winter protection. e usage of a 90% white duck down and 10% feather blend allows for the perfectly balanced heat regulation that kicks in when it gets cold but prevents unwanted shvitzing while commuting on the train. is unique combination of down and wool is what sets Norwegian Wool apart from its competitors who tend to either use just down and lean in the casual parka direction or use only wool to achieve a timeless topcoat look. Bruce Levitt is the president of Mur-Lee’s, a 3rd generation luxury shop in Lynbrook, Long Island. His store sports a large selection of formal classic pieces such as Canali suits and Eton shirts, but they also have a large variety of contemporary products from edgier labels such as AG denim and Robert Graham. Mur-lee’s was one of the rst local stores to carry Norwegian Wool and they have sold many units every season to customers seeking truly special outerwear. According to Levitt, “In today’s world, the upscale customer doesn’t just want a coat – he wants a piece that can both exude style while also having elements of real life pragmatism... Norwegian Wool provides this duality.” In addition to the non-bulky down lining, NorwegianWool coats o er some highly unique and incredibly thoughtful features that truly elevate the brand above other outerwear labels. Cashmere coats tend be the worst o enders when it comes to trying to Water beading up on wool outer shell is coated with a special sealant that creates the initial barrier and results in the ‘beading up’ e ect. en, perhaps the most signi cant protection comes from the inner membrane that lays between the wool and the down. is divider will stand up against all wear and tear and even multiple dry cleanings and provides wind shielding bene ts as well. Finally, unlike most garments which are water resistant at best, NorwegianWool goes the extra mile and tapes all seams in order to ensure actual water repellency. Many men like to accessorize their outerwear look with a cashmere scarf and an elegant pair of lusciously lined leather gloves. While this combination certainly can complete an image of winter sophistication, for the businessman on the go, having a coat that allows for ultimate neck protection and hand pockets designed to eliminate the need for gloves is extremely valuable. Unlike many other European topcoats which only have awkwardly placed and painfully shallow hand pockets, Norwegian Wool has created side entry pockets that are wrist deep and lined with the so est English Moleskin. stay dry in wet weather. Typically, they soak up moisture like a sponge and weigh a ton when worn a er being caught in some snow or rain. Norwegian Wool utilizes a three pronged approach to provide a true waterproof piece. e outer shell
One of the rst questions people ask when rst exposed to the brand is “where does the name come from?” e answer is not only a fascinating story about fashion design, but is also quite telling about the distance (literally) the Norwegian Wool team will go to master a cra . When Berkowitz rst began to make prototypes of his fashion-plus-function concept he knew that Italy would be a great source for the nest fabrics and highest quality production. However, when he
Light Grey City Active Parka $1595 | norwegian-wool.com
received his rst samples from the Italians he understood that in one area they were lacking and that was an appreciation for what truly harsh winter conditions are like. Simply put, since a January
in Florence or Venice does not compare with the brutal cold of a New York, Boston, Chicago or Toronto winter, they are not as suited to be the designer who xes the winter coat problem!
The best designer disruptions tend to come from those who infuse comfort and performance in new ways
700 down ll power in double sac lining
Berkowitz reminisced that “in order to provide a solution, one must rst fully appreciate the problem - so I needed to get
design input from people who truly understood what rough winters could be like.” Back in his earlier career on Wall Street, Berkowitz was sent to Norway to look at high grade silicon metal investments and he recalled how in Oslo it must have been close to -10° even before the windchill and yet people were riding their bicycles to work and were traveling about while still dressed fashionably. is image resonated with him and when seeking additional help to design coats that could have collars with the most comfortable neck closures, the deepest hand pockets, zippers that still retained a formal look and countless other hidden performance features, he ew back to Scandinavia and partnered with designers at the local Fashion Institute in Oslo. Hence the name Norwegian Wool was born. Today, Norwegian Wool has expanded from its original three quarter length classic topcoat and now o ers carcoats, trenches, waterproof blazers and a whole line of items that complement their original vision. Berkowitz con dently posited, “ e world of fashion has plenty of designers... our contribution is to create items that allowpeople to stay stylish and comfortable throughout the year without the weather getting in the way.” His notion seems
162 WESTONMAGAZINEGROUP.COM
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker