BEHIND THE LINES: Quiksilver Outerwear
mike lewis
- March 24 2009
- 11 comments
Quiksilver’s design, attention to detail, technical, and eco-friendly fabrics have been pushing the envelope for years, and with its Travis Rice line, the bar continues to be raised annually. We caught up with Wintersports Designer Brice Oakden to find out what’s new for the ‘09/10 mix.
What’s your focus been on for next year’s outerwear?
Winter 2009/ 2010 is all about fun snowboarding. We are developing several styles for Travis Rice to help him have everything he needs for a day in the elements. From technical first layer, to GORE-TEX® and everything in between, we are keeping him outfitted to meet his needs. We have also worked on a couple of jackets and pants to help cater to Bryan Fox and Austin Smith’s ideas. Additionally, our bright color stories and prints are keeping us fresh and in tune with what the rest of Quiksilver is creating.
What forces are shaping the market and how have you integrated those?
The biggest trends shaping the market are the kids, eco-conscious design, and the economy. Our closest link to the young customer is our team and their personalities. This is reflected by our ongoing work on the team’s product ideas. When it comes to earth conscious design we have continued to learn from educated, passionate eco-consultants as well as industry leaders in eco friendly textile and product development. The economy is probably our biggest influencer right now and we have responded by developing more product for sensitive price points without sacrificing any of the performance and style that our customers expect from us.
What all’s in the mix?
We are offering 22 outerwear jackets, 11 outerwear pants, 16 beanies, 4 technical gloves, performance under layer, technical socks, snowboarding packs, and board and travel bags.
Travis Rice Jacket - 20K Waterproof - MSRP $225
Travis Rice Bib Pant - 20K Waterproof - MSRP $200
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March 24th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Rice’s line looks so much better this year. I don’t care how sick the guy is, the pharaoh thing wouldn’t sell if he could part the sea.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:10 am
I heard Quik just killed it’s snow program, anyone know what’s up?
March 25th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
That is true, Quiksilver sh#t canned their entire U.S. outerwear design team last week. Including the man focused on in this article. Wow! what a commitment to the snow industry. Look for Travis Rice board shorts coming soon to a surfer dude shop soon. LOL
March 25th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
^^^ Not true.
Check your facts.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
not true. Oakden was let go, but the whole program wasn’t nixed. word has it they’re focusing on design from an international angle to weed out redundancies and streamline the process (aka cut costs on outerwear while still doing it well.)
March 26th, 2009 at 9:41 am
revOlution=Quiksilver employee
March 26th, 2009 at 10:28 am
it’s alright, but anything would look better next to the pharaoh nonsense!!
May 4th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
sledrider801 = bitter former employee