Pendleton’s roots go back to 1863, when founder Thomas Kay, a young English weaver traveled west and set up shop in the brand new state of Oregon. His family eventually moved the business to Pendleton in the northeastern part of the state, opening several mills and developing staples such as blankets, shawls, and robes, and later adding colorful new wool work shirts. Pendleton has since remained a successful and trusted family owned business for over 140 years, American ingenuity at its finest.
Boasting a ‘vertical’ manufacturing process from the purchasing of the wool to its production at the Pendleton mills, today each component of the process is meticulously overseen including sales of the products. Pendleton is committed to making a difference through generous donations to well established non-profits and through the use of Eco-Wise wools and a staunch commitment to recycling.
Most people don’t associate Pendleton with fashion forward, but this iconic American brand has turned over a new leaf with its second Portland collection. Make no mistake; Portland has certainly become a trend-setting place, from its culinary scene, to the city’s progressive public transportation system and bike lanes, to its progressive recycling program, even to the hit series Portlandia. It seems everyone wants a little bit of Portland these days. Pendleton is riding on the coattails of the successfully franchised Portland name with a namesake collection.
Previous successful collaborations with Levi’s, Comme des Garcons, and the high-end boutique, Opening Ceremony, helped introduce Pendleton to a new generation of savvy, fashion forward consumers. Surfing the recent wave of locally designed and sustainably produced products, and steeped in a rich history, Pendleton had all the makings of a grand slam.
Drawing talent from local designers John Blasioli, Nathaniel Crissman, and Rachel Turk, the entire operation is remarkably homegrown. But don’t expect anything mundane, their collection is chic without being pretentious. A cool upgrade to the original 49er’s style jacket and men’s and women’s woolen day wear from the 50’s, the Portland collection is for the sophisticated hiker, gardener, or sports-man or woman on the move. Using 100% pure virgin wool that the company is known for, the collection integrates rich tones of moss green, sky blue, slate grey, and paprika in the palate, allowing the looks to feel both earthy and playful.
In this, its second season, the men’s and women’s’ collection also includes accessories and blankets. Taking inspiration from its archive of prints and fabrics, some woven with Navajo inspired patterns, these loom-woven designs never looked so hip. Pencil slim pants, ponchos, leggings and a full semicircle skirt for the ladies play capriciously with contrasting volumes while a revamp of the classic double pocket Pendleton shirt, nubby cardigans and crews, skinny wool trousers and shrunken blazers sport a new silhouette for the guys. Tailored woolen jumpsuits and anoraks for both sexes along with exciting patterned scarves, wraps and classically styled outerwear set up the fabulous accessories which include the stand-out blankets, killer backpacks and even an umbrella. Yes, it does rain just a little bit in Portland.
The collection hits selected retail stores this fall. The Squire got the word from Jon at Leo Boutique in trendy, downtown Calgary that the “New Wave of Pendleton” was really on the money. You can be sure he’s got his eye on the dapper charcoal grey razor thin suit with suspender pants w/suspenders and matching skinny tie.