686 And KR3W Announce Outerwear Collaboration

mike lewis

December 09 2008
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While news of collaborations has become pretty common these days, when heavy hitters with an eye for detail team up we take notice. 686’s collaborations with companies like Levi’s always bring something new to the table and KR3W’s iconic skate style is sure to score with street shreds.

Click HERE the full press release from 686.

Transworld Business caught up with Mike West, 686 president and creative director, Angel Cabada, founder of Kr3w and Supra, and Kristin Cusic, 686’s VP of marketing to get the scoop on the new line which is dropping at SIA.

TWB: Can you give me a little history on the partnership with KR3W?

Mike West: Before I started 686, I rode for Rocco in the late 80’s. Street skating was my life. Since then, a lot of what we’ve done at 686 was inspired from skateboarding. I’ve known Angel for a while and deeply respect what he’s done. The theme of the 686 line for 2009-2010 focuses on our Los Angeles and mountain history so it made perfect sense to team up with KR3W on a unique project that’s reflective of similar origins.”
Angel Cabada: It’s finally happening! Mike asked me to do a collaboration a few years back and I kinda just put it aside forever… To be honest, we haven’t done too many collabs, but this one seemed fun. I’ve been really impressed by Mike’s work and what we were able to put together. So that being said, it finally went down and I hope everyone enjoys what’s coming to the hills.

Mike West and Kristin Cusic

TWB: What products will you be making with KR3W? How would you describe the offerings?

Kristin Cusic: The 686 X KR3W Winter Collection reflects simplicity in design, with premium materials, tonal trims and incredible fits. It consists of 2 men’s jackets, the first being an M-65 inspired, fitted type with metal trims, and hidden interior pockets. The second jacket has a looser fit and is inspired off the KR3W Klutch jacket that has various straps and quilting flaps. There are two pants to compliment the jackets, the first one similar to the popular K-Slim, but flipped in a way that works for snow. The K-Slim pant also features a new proprietary stretch cotton-poly denim that’s very expensive to manufacture. The second pant is a loose fit that matches the Klutch jacket and has a KR3W-designed “maze” print. All the pieces will be rated 15,000mm/10,000 gm, with fully taped seams, waterproof zippers as well as the rest of the technical bells and whistles you expect from 686.

TWB: What will the price range be?

KC: The price range starts at $110-$220 for pants and $140-$280 for jackets. We’re also offering a soft shell that’s casual and street but has a waterproof/breathable rating of 10,000MM/8,000GM. It keeps you dry, you can ride in it, but you can also rock it on the street.

TWB: Will this line be distributed through your current distribution chain?

KC: Distribution of the KR3W X 686 collection will be handled solely through the 686 reps and distributors on a global basis. We work directly with KR3W to make sure that their select distribution is fulfilled first. It’s a team effort from both brands to make sure it’s in the stores that work for everyone.

TWB: Anything other stories, plans, ideas, you’d like to throw out there?

MW: Generally, we’re stoked to be doing something working with Angel, Ben and everyone else at KR3W. We like to keep it tight with our collaborations and only want to work with reputable brands that are true to what they do. KR3W is the epitome of that. We’ll also be doing something special at SIA in Vegas, so stay tuned.