Words by Agatha Wasilewska
Images provided by Quiksilver.
The Winter 2010/2011 preview season is upon us in New York City, and while it is a bit surreal to be checking out snowboarding gear in 90-degree, humidity soaked heat, this year’s Roxy and Quiksilver preview was well worth the effort.
Quiksilver has been working to increase the standard and quality of its outerwear over the last few years, and both the Quik and Roxy lines have expanded and improved by sharing expertise, creating partnerships, and contributing more resources into the overall production process. The lines are expected to hit retail late summer or early fall.
Rolling into the 2010/2011 season, it appears the brand’s hard work is paying off. Continuing to establish itself in the snowboard industry, Quik’s new line of outerwear was designed in conjunction with riders like Travis Rice and Sarah Burke.
This year’s line is a mix of colorful graffiti graphics, signature bright block colors, eye-catching hardware, and new performance details. The preview was held in the cavernous underground Polar Bar at the Marcel Hotel in New York City, with caves stocked with each signature line, and new decks and boards dual functioned as tables for the editorial elite to preview, sip cocktails, and chat up Roxy rider Sarah Burke.
Roxy skier Sarah Burke’s line is poppy and gun-metal-studded. Burke attests that even with gold and gun-metal gray thick link chains and studs the gear holds fast under the harshest conditions and under the half pipe lights. The functional snow waists, removable powder skirts, built-in gaiters, and added vents round out the line.
Travis Rice’s lineup was the highlight of the preview with it’s innovative look and performance perks. Rice worked closely with artist Beni Pierson to create jackets like the Travis Rice Gore-Tex Jacket with “bio-mechanically infused style that was heavily influenced by the original Star Wars storyboard artists.” All jackets come standard with Weatherproof rated stars and Gore Tex®, coming in various fits, such as relaxed, regular, o-shape and slim.
PRODUCT REVIEW:
Editor’s Note: Contributing author Agatha Wasilewska is based in New York City and covers snow industry events and related stories. The following is her take on Quiksilver’s new line.
While creativity is clutch, the entire line of Quiksilver jackets also boasts impressive technical features, including a three-way adjustable hood, connecting loops from pant to jacket attachments, vented zips and mesh panels under arms, handwarmer brush tricot lined pockets, glove attachment loops, interior Lycra cuffs for hands, removable powder skirts.
The Quiksilver pant is just as functional with bottom leg up system, double snap velcro and hook closures, and my favorite- the internal cuff saver cinch system. No more muddy shredded pant back, ever.
My ultimate favorite was the Travis Rice Backpack. In its eye-blinding orange wonderfulness, it is poised to become the go-to backcountry pack for the season. The size is manageable and doesn’t skimp on the features that are required for a pow shred pack. Designed, tested and used by Travis Rice the pack is 100% recycled polyester and made to withstand the mountains with 10K waterproofing and burly components.
TAGS: quiksilver, roxy, sarah burke, travis rice
