a e th e r
Cali fornia Cool
Aether’s approach to technical outerwear connects to a grand legacy of clean California design.
Text Nick Schonberger
The words “California Cool” conjure distinct images. For example, there’s the Hard-Edge style of mid-Century painters and the clean lines of their architectural contemporaries. You could also think about Jeff Spicoli in checker board vans. Of course, most of the world just envisions the classic American style of the laid back surfer.
phisticated lines of the brand’s outwear. Giving form and function equal footing, Aether designs without superfluous embellishment, allowing for garments that happily walk mountain peaks and urban streets.
When it comes to technical outerwear, California is no stranger to industry-leading innovation. After all, the state is home to Patagonia and the spiritual origin of The North Face. Beyond, the state boasts roughly 840 miles of coastline and some properly impressive mountains. In short, the Golden State is a hell of a place for outdoor pursuits.
Stripped to the essentials, Aether is about making wearers comfortable in any terrain. The form fitting Fall Line shell, built of 3-layer 4-way stretch fabric, stands out as the brand’s keystone product. Technically, it is about offering the most flexibility and range of motion possible. It‘s seam sealed and equipped with an exposed waterproof zipper. That means it can withstand wind and water, and easily navigate a weekend bombing the ski slopes. The jacket is also slim cut and sleek. Meaning that on treacherous morning run to your favorite coffee roaster when a downpour could damage your swag, chances with the tasty barista are maintained.
Design and the outdoors collide naturally in Cali. So does a need to balance the city and nature. That defines Aether, founded by Palmer West and Jonah Smith, and helps form the so-
Aether Apparel respects materials. Designs are understated and performance oriented, using the capabilities and characteristics of the chosen fabrics as guides for crafting the most useful
All are valid thoughts.
and most attractive goods. Still looking for a link to classic California design? Consider the Eames’ iconic DCW chair. Elegant, lightweight, functional, and full of aesthetic integrity, this piece sets great precedent for design with material in mind. Of course, West and Smith aren’t boldly talking about carrying the Eames legacy. Nor do they make much overt reference to California design heritage. Yet, it is impossible to view their collections without connecting the dots. There is an inherent link. It is design in simplest sense, attempting to solve crucial problems (technical capabilities in city appropriate cuts) and improve daily life. Aether is “California Cool” for navigating the 21st-century. http://www.aetherapparel.com
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