Swedish-born Andrea Westerlind founded Westerlind Outdoor “to create an intersection where technical outdoor gear and apparel meet a style-minded boutique,” as she describes on the retailer’s website. Since opening the first location in New York City in 2014, she has done just that by leveraging brands with superior functionality and premium quality, presenting them in the posh SoHo neighborhood with compelling storytelling, merchandising and distribution.
One of those brands Westerlind has partnered with from early on is Goldwin. The long-time Japanese outerwear brand is one of the blossoming leaders in the outdoor lifestyle market, fitting perfectly into Westerlind’s vision.
“Goldwin’s knowledge in snow sports combined with its Japanese sense of style and fashion makes a great combination for an outdoor lifestyle collection,” Westerlind recently told Gear Patrol. “It’s a wonderful thing to see Goldwin push the envelope and enter the urban market.”
Westerlind noted that the Kodenshi down available in many of Goldwin’s winter coats is a must-have for the winter. Kodenshi down maintains the wearer’s body temperature in a constant and natural range by utilizing far-infrared body heat. Maintaining the ideal body temperature helps to stabilize both your mind and body. This is essential to living a relaxing daily life.
“Every piece in the fall/winter collection has one or more details that you discover as you start wearing the garment. Whether it’s a hidden pocket, a magnet to keep a pocket cover or hood in place, or a stuff sack, Goldwin really does try to think of ways to amaze you with practicality and versatility.”
With that ethos in mind, here are two of Westerlind’s favorite pieces from Goldwin’s fall/winter collection that contain Kodenshi down– both available online and in Westerlind’s retail locations.
Crew Neck Down Sweater
The Crew Neck Down Sweater is a unique piece that combines the warmth of a down jacket with the styling of a crew neck sweater. This look is further enhanced by the nearly invisible half-zipper on the front. This allows you to wear it over a turtleneck, tee or under a hi-tech shell jacket. It’s a Goldwin staple product that maximizes the potential of layering styles.
Down Parka
The Goldwin Down Parka is made with Pertex, a warm and lightweight hi-tech material. Highly compact in size, it is a thoughtfully constructed jacket that values warmth over bulk. The front pockets sit a little higher up, which you’ll be glad you have in the winter months. Retaining heat, it’s a down jacket with all the warmth and none of the marshmallow man look.